Lens Assembly Apparatus And Method

ABSTRACT

An optical apparatus includes a housing, a deformable lens, and a lens shaper. The lens shaper defines the shape of the deformable lens. A first mechanism is positioned within the housing to adjust an optical property of the deformable lens. A second mechanism is positioned within the housing to adjust an optical property of the deformable lens. The second mechanism is at least one of an electromechanical actuator or motor. The first mechanism and the second mechanism are different types of mechanisms.

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent is a division of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/720,093, filedMar. 9, 2010, which claims benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119 (e) to U.S.Provisional Application No. 61/160,041 entitled “Lens Assembly Systemand Method” filed Mar. 13, 2009 having attorney docket number PO9007 andU.S. Provisional Application No. 61/245,438 entitled “Lens AssemblyApparatus and Method of Operation” filed Sep. 24, 2009 having attorneydocket number PO9010 the contents of all of which are incorporatedherein by reference in their entireties.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This patent relates to optical apparatuses which incorporate lenses andmethods of operating lenses.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various optical lens systems have been used over the years for differentpurposes. For instance, some lens systems provide for magnification ofan image while other lens systems provide for zooming in on an image.Lens systems can also be used for various applications and/or indifferent environments. For example, a lens system may be part of adigital camera and the user may wish to zoom in on objects that are faraway in order to obtain images of these objects or to focus on objectsthat are close. In other examples, the lens system may be part of acamera in a cellular phone or other small electronic device where theuser desires to obtain nearby images.

While various types of lens systems have been employed in variousapplications, these previous systems suffered from severaldisadvantages. To take one example, due to the desired miniaturizationof systems, system components need to be as small as possible.Unfortunately, previous systems had components that were bulky andminiaturization became difficult to accomplish. Previous systems alsooften used a wide variety of moving parts that frequently moved along anaxis of the lens system. Unfortunately, these moving parts had atendency to break requiring the replacement of system components andleading to the unreliability of these previous approaches. These systemsalso utilized a large number of parts and this also added to theunreliability (and cost) of these approaches. For all these reasons,previous systems were costly to produce and user satisfaction with thesesystems was often negatively impacted by the above-mentioneddisadvantages.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the disclosure, reference should bemade to the following detailed description and accompanying drawingswherein:

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate a cross-sectional view of a magnetic coillens assembly according to various embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrates a cross-sectional view of a magnetic coillens assembly according to various embodiments of the present inventionin which a coil is positioned on both sides of a membrane;

FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a magnetic coil lensassembly according to various embodiments of the present invention inwhich a plurality of coils are positioned to move a plurality ofmembranes;

FIG. 4 includes cross-sectional drawings that illustrate a productionprocess for assembling a deformable lens and removing gas bubbles from alens assembly according to various embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 5 comprises a flowchart that together with the cross-sectionaldrawings of FIG. 4 illustrate a production process for assembling adeformable lens and removing gas bubbles from a lens assembly accordingto various embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a magnetic coil lensassembly having a single axially polarized motor according to variousembodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a lens defining structure ofthe example of FIG. 6 according to various embodiments of the presentinvention;

FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a flux guiding structure ina magnetic coil lens assembly according to various embodiments of thepresent invention where a single motor structure drives two coils;

FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective cross-sectional view of a motorstructure to activate a dual variable lens structure according tovarious embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective cross-sectional view of a magneticstructure which is used to define a lens and/or reservoir shaping pointaccording to various embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective cross-sectional view of a magneticcoil lens assembly having magnets which are distributed into corners ofa flux guiding structure according to various embodiments of the presentinvention;

FIG. 12 illustrates an isolated perspective view of a coil and bobbinarrangement of the example of FIG. 11 according to various embodimentsof the present invention;

FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate an isolated perspective view of the coiland bobbin arrangement of FIG. 12 with magnets positioned in corners ofthe arrangement according to various embodiments of the presentinvention;

FIG. 14 illustrates a perspective cross-sectional view of a magneticcoil lens assembly having a lens shaper sleeve according to variousembodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 15 illustrates a coil connection in a magnetic lens assemblyaccording to various embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 16 illustrates a perspective cross-sectional view of the magneticlens assembly of the example of FIG. 15 according to various embodimentsof the present invention;

FIGS. 17A and 17B illustrate whole and cross-sectional perspective viewsof a magnetic lens assembly having two tunable lenses stacked in ahousing according to various embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 18 illustrates an isolated view of a bobbin-membrane interface of amagnetic lens assembly according to various embodiments of the presentinvention;

FIG. 19 illustrates another isolated view of the bobbin-membraneinterface where the membrane is clamped and mechanically held in thebobbin of FIG. 18 according to various embodiments of the presentinvention;

FIG. 20a illustrates a lens assembly in which a positioning of areservoir and lens is optimized for space reduction according to variousembodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 20b illustrates another view of the lens assembly of FIG. 20a inwhich a positioning of a reservoir and lens is optimized for spacereduction according to various embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 21 illustrates another lens assembly in which a positioning of areservoir and the bobbin shape and lens is optimized for space reductionaccording to various embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 22A and 22B illustrate a lens assembly utilizing piezo-actuationaccording to various embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 23A, 23B and 23C illustrates an interior view of the lens assemblyof FIG. 22 according to various embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 24A and 24B illustrates a perspective view of a lens assemblyhaving a voice coil actuator with a double wound coil according tovarious embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 25 illustrates a perspective isolated view of upper and lower coilsof the assembly of FIG. 24 showing the lower coil wound opposite of theupper coil according to various embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 26 illustrates an isolated cross-sectional view of the assembly ofFIG. 24 according to various embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 27A and 27B illustrates a perspective view of the assembly of FIG.26 and further illustrates current flow and magnetic field flow on a toppart of the assembly in one direction and on a bottom part in theopposite direction according to various embodiments of the presentinvention;

FIG. 28 illustrates a field guiding ring that optimizes the magneticflux generated by the assembly of FIG. 26 according to variousembodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 29 illustrates magnetic flux generated by the assembly of FIG. 26in which the magnets are polarized at an angle according to variousembodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 30 illustrates a perspective cross-sectional view of a lensassembly in which a bobbin is a lens defining structure according tovarious embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 31 illustrates an isolated view of a beveled contact point for amembrane and inner diameter of a ring structure of a lens assemblyaccording to various embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 32 illustrates a perspective cross-sectional view of a lensassembly according to various embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 33 illustrates a perspective cross-sectional view of another lensassembly according to various embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 34 illustrates a perspective cross-sectional view of still anotherlens assembly according to various embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 35 illustrates a perspective cross-sectional view of another lensassembly according to various embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 36 illustrates a perspective cross-sectional view of yet anotherlens assembly according to various embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 37A-T illustrate various views of another example of a lensassembly according to various embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 38A-F illustrate various views of a lens assembly showing oneexample of the optimization of bobbin design according to variousembodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 39A-E illustrate various views of another example of a lensaperture, reservoir, and magnetic subassemblies according to variousembodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 40A-C illustrate various views of another example of a lensassembly according to various embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 41A-B illustrate various views of another example of a lensassembly according to various embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 42A-D illustrate various lens configurations according to variousembodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 43 illustrates alignment of the coil and magnet according tovarious embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 44 comprises a flowchart of one example the operation of a lensassembly according to various embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 45A-45C comprise various perspective cross-sectional views of alens assembly according to various embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 46A and 46B comprise perspective exploded and cross-sectionalviews of another example of a lens assembly according to variousembodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 47A-47D comprise perspective cross-sectional and exploded views ofa lens assembly according to various embodiments of the presentinvention in which a plurality of one or more motors are positioned todeform a plurality of membranes;

FIGS. 48A-48C comprise perspective cross-sectional and exploded views ofa lens assembly having tiltable lens according to various embodiments ofthe present invention;

FIG. 49 comprises a perspective cross-sectional view of a lens assemblyaccording to various embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 50A-50D comprise perspective cross-sectional and exploded views ofa lens assembly according to various embodiments of the presentinvention;

FIGS. 51A-51B comprise perspective cross-sectional and exploded views ofa lens assembly according to various embodiments of the presentinvention;

FIGS. 52A-52C comprise perspective and cross-sectional views of a lensassembly according to various embodiments of the present invention inwhich various types of linkage structures are used to effectuate lensmovement;

FIGS. 53A-53D is one example of a voltage waveform applied to apiezoelectric motor according to various embodiments of the presentinvention;

FIGS. 54A-D comprise various diagrams of a mechanical linkage structureand operation and movement of the linkage structure according to variousembodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 55A-B comprise various perspective diagrams of mechanical linkagesaccording to various embodiments of the present invention

FIGS. 56A and 56B comprise diagrams of a lens assembly according tovarious embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 57A and 57B comprise perspective views of a lens assemblyaccording to various embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 58A, 58B, 58C, and 58D comprise views of actuators in lensassemblies according to various embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 59A and 59B comprise views of a lens assembly according to variousembodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 60 comprises a view of a lens assembly according to variousembodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 61 comprises a perspective view of a lens array assembly accordingto various embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 62A and FIG. 62B comprise views of a lens assembly according tovarious embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 63A and FIG. 63B comprise views of a lens assembly according tovarious embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 64A and FIG. 64B comprise views of a lens assembly according tovarious embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 65A and FIG. 65B comprise views of a lens shaper according tovarious embodiments of the present invention.

Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures areillustrated for simplicity and clarity. It will further be appreciatedthat certain actions and/or steps may be described or depicted in aparticular order of occurrence while those skilled in the art willunderstand that such specificity with respect to sequence is notactually required. It will also be understood that the terms andexpressions used herein have the ordinary meaning as is accorded to suchterms and expressions with respect to their corresponding respectiveareas of inquiry and study except where specific meanings have otherwisebeen set forth herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Many of the present approaches provide a magnetic lens assembly thatincludes a magnetic-coil actuator (e.g., a voice coil motor) whichdeforms one or more membranes (e.g., a polymeric membrane) in the lensassembly. Other devices such as piezo electric devices could also beused. In many of these examples, the membrane may define at leastpartially one or more reservoirs that are filled with a filler material(e.g., liquid, gel, or polymer). The membrane, filler material, and acontainer opposite the membrane, may provide a lens. It should be notedthat the teen “lens” should be interpreted, in most if not all of thefollowing embodiments—as applicable—as “a three dimensional space filledwith a filler material and communicating with a reservoir.” Theresulting deformation of the membrane occurs via pressure provided frommovement of the filler material (e.g., optical fluid) within thereservoir. Deformation of the lens alters the optical characteristics ofthe lens as desired or required. Consequently, miniaturization isachieved, overall part count is reduced, the number of moving parts isdecreased, costs are reduced, system weight is decreased, and systemreliability is increased.

In many of these embodiments, a lens assembly includes a moving coil, aflux guiding structure, one or more magnets, and a lens. The lensincludes a membrane that at least partially defines a reservoir (e.g., afluid reservoir). The coil is excited by current and a magnetic fluxforms and is directed by the flux guiding structure. The flux creates anelectromotive force that moves the coil. The force may be related to thestrength of the magnetic field, multiplied by the length of the wire andthe current flowing through the wire. The movement of the coil acts topush or pull the membrane and thereby move the filler material (e.g.,fluid) within the reservoir creating a pressure and thereby deformingthe shape of the membrane and overall lens. Consequently, the opticalproperties of the lens are altered. Put another way, the opticallyactive area of the membrane is altered. Such lenses are sometimereferred to herein as focus tunable lenses or fluid tunable lenses.

In other examples, the position of the coil is fixed. Excitation of thecoil moves magnetized parts, which in turn move the membrane. Hence, theoptical properties of the lens are adjusted.

A housing structure (e.g., plastic) may be used to support all or someof the assembly elements. In some examples, portions of the housingstructure are pushed (or pulled) by the coil to push (or pull) themembrane. In many examples, a bobbin pushes on the membrane.

As mentioned, if a motor is employed as the actuator, the motorstructure may include several members including one or more permanentmagnets and a flux guiding structure having one or more parts orportions. The flux guiding structure guides and directs the magneticfield to produce an electromotive force of sufficient magnitude anddirection to move the coil as desired.

Additionally, the motor structure may include various parts that providefixturing and alignment functions for the assembly (e.g., support anddefinition of the shape or other properties of the membrane or otherportions of the lens). In this regard, the flux guiding structure mayalso provide for the housing of the lens, define the lens shape, supportthe lens structure, define the boundary conditions of the reservoir,support the components that define the reservoir, provide structure tothe assembly, and/or define one or more reservoirs. Moreover, thesetasks may be performed at the same time as the flux guiding structureprovides magnetic field direction and guidance.

The coil component of the magnetic lens is directly attached to orindirectly interacts with (via another element or elements such as abobbin) the membrane, which as mentioned, is deformable. Also asmentioned, the membrane defines one or more reservoirs. These reservoirsmay be filled with a polymer, gel, fluid, or ionic liquid to name a fewexamples of filler materials. Other examples of filler materials arepossible.

In some of these examples, the coil interacts with the membrane on aside of the membrane that does not contain the filler material (e.g., afluid). Consequently, the reservoir can be filled in a more convenientmanner without entrapping air bubbles in the reservoir since edges fromthe coil may not exist inside the reservoir. Additionally, electricalconnections between the coil and devices external to the assembly areeasier to accomplish because the coil is in an air-only space.

Coil placement may vary. For example, the coil may be placed within thereservoir (e.g., within a liquid that fills the reservoir), partiallywithin the reservoir (e.g., on both sides of the reservoir separated bythe membrane), or completely outside the reservoir (on one or both sidesof the reservoir). When fitted within the reservoir, the coil may alsofloat in the reservoir. As mentioned, the coil may also be fixed inposition in some of these examples.

The coil can be electrically connected to the other portions of theassembly by various approaches. For example, in one embodiment, the coilwires can be connected with the flux guiding structure, which iselectrically insulated by or from the permanent magnet. In anotherembodiment, the wires are guided outside of the assembly through holesin the housing, magnet and/or the metal-based structure. In stillanother embodiment, the wires are connected to a metal structure (e.g.,a metal spring), or connected or integrated to portions of the assembly(e.g., the bobbin). In yet another embodiment, the wires are guidedoutside through holes/slits in the assembly and fixed onto a metalstructure integrated into the interior of the assembly. In otherexamples, the wires may be coupled to an electrically conductivemembrane.

In some of these embodiments, a push approach is used where the coil (orbobbin) pushes on the membrane to achieve deformation. In otherexamples, a push-pull approach is used where the membrane is both pushedand pulled. The membrane and coil (or bobbin) are attached by anadhesive (e.g., glue) or any other type of fastener arrangement (e.g.,screws, snap connectors, ultrasonic welding, hot melting, or the like).Pull only approaches may also be used. The determination of the type ofapproach used may depend upon, among other factors, the overall heightdesired for the assembly and a starting focus or zoom position of lensesused in the assembly.

The approaches described herein can be used to form various types oflens assemblies having any number of lenses used in any combination ororder. For example, any number of the tunable lenses described hereincan be used in conjunction with other optical elements or lenses to formany type of optical assembly.

The present approaches additionally provide a lens assembly thatincludes an electrical-to-mechanical actuation device (e.g., apiezoelectric motor or some other type of actuation device) that deformsone or more membranes in the lens assembly. In some of theseembodiments, a lens (e.g., a fluid lens) is formed between or bounded bya membrane (e.g., a polymeric membrane) and a container (e.g., a glassplate, optical element, lens, or some other structure). The membraneand/or container may also define at least partially one or morereservoirs that are filled with a filler material. The reservoirscommunicate with the lens (e.g., a fluid or gel lens) through holes,channels, slits, or the like and the piezoelectric motor is coupleddirectly or indirectly to the container. Together, the container and themembrane function to hold the filler material in the reservoir(s)section(s) and lens section(s). Actuation of theelectrical-to-mechanical actuation device causes movement of thecontainer (e.g., in the area of the reservoir) which, in turn, moves thefiller material between the reservoir and the lens area to create apressure and thereby deform the membrane. The resultant deformation ofthe membrane and movement of the filler material alters the opticalcharacteristics of the lens as desired or required. Consequently,miniaturization is achieved, overall part count is reduced, the numberof moving parts is decreased, costs are reduced, system weight isdecreased, and system reliability is increased.

It will be understood that various types of electrical-to-mechanicalactuation devices may be used in the approaches described herein to movecomponents of the lens assembly. For example and as mentioned,piezoelectric motors may be used. However, it will be appreciated thatthese approaches are not limited to the use of piezoelectric motors butmay, for example, include any motor or motor-like device such asminiature stepper motors or screw drive motors to name two examples. Inother words, although many of the examples described herein utilize apiezoelectric motor, any other type of motor (or otherelectrical-to-mechanical actuation device) may also be used.

In others of these embodiments, a lens assembly includes a piezoelectricmotor (or some other type of electrical-to-mechanical actuation device),a linkage structure, and a container and membrane assembly. Thecontainer and membrane assembly includes a membrane that at leastpartially defines one or more reservoirs (e.g., a fluid reservoir) and alens (e.g., a fluid or gel lens) such that a liquid filler material(e.g., a fluid or gel) is able to flow or otherwise move between thereservoir(s) and the lens. The piezoelectric motor is actuated by anelectrical signal. The actuation of the piezoelectric motor (anddeformation of a piezoelectric material located therein) directly orindirectly pushes or pulls the linkage structure which, in turn,directly or indirectly acts on the reservoir of the lens assembly tomove the filler material (e.g., optical fluid) between the reservoir andthe lens. Movement of the filler material creates a pressure against themembrane and thereby deforms the shape of the membrane to alter theoptical properties of the lens. A lens shaper may be attached to aportion of the membrane to form and/or define the outer perimeter of thelens. A housing structure may be used to support all or some of theassembly elements. In some examples, portions of the housing structureare pushed (or pulled) by the piezoelectric motor (or other type ofelectrical-to-mechanical actuation device) to push (or pull) themembrane via actuation of the linkage structure.

As mentioned, if a piezoelectric motor is employed as theelectrical-to-mechanical actuation device, the piezoelectric motorstructure may include several members including one or morepiezoelectric elements that move a linkage structure having one or moreparts or portions. More specifically, the linkage structure may includeone or more elements that act to receive a mechanical force from themotor and guide and direct this force to move (e.g., push or pull) themembrane. The linkage structure may include one or more pins, paddles,rings, rods, bobbins, hinges, or pivots to name a few examples. In otherexamples, the separate linkage structure may be omitted and portions ofthe motor may act directly on the membrane.

Additionally, the linkage structure may include various parts thatprovide fixturing and alignment functions for the assembly (e.g.,support and definition of the shape or other properties of the membraneor other portions of the lens). In this regard, the linkage structuremay also provide for the housing of the lens, define the lens shape,support the lens structure, define the boundary conditions of thereservoir, support the components that define the reservoir, providestructure to the assembly, and/or define one or more reservoirs. Thesefunctions may also be at least partially provided by other elements notin the linkage structure.

As mentioned, the membrane may define the side of one or more reservoirsand a lens shape. The reservoirs and lens may be filled with a fillermaterial such as a polymer, gel, or fluid to name a few examples offiller materials. Other examples of filler materials are also possible.The inner perimeter of the lens shaper defines the outer perimeter ofthe inner section of the membrane, and restrains the membrane frommoving at the edge of the lens shaper.

The placement of the electrical-to-mechanical actuation device may alsovary in the present approaches. For example when a piezoelectric motoris used, the piezoelectric motor may be placed within the reservoir(e.g., within a liquid that fills the reservoir), partially within thereservoir (e.g., on both sides of the reservoir separated by themembrane or container), or completely outside the reservoir (on one orboth sides of the reservoir).

The electrical-to-mechanical actuation device (e.g., a piezoelectricmotor) can be electrically connected to the other portions of theassembly by various approaches. For example, in one embodiment theconnection wires are guided outside of the assembly through holes in thehousing. In still another embodiment, the wires are connected to a metalstructure (e.g., a metal spring), or connected or integrated to portionsof the assembly. In yet another embodiment, the wires are guided outsidethrough holes/slits in the assembly and fixed onto a metal structureintegrated into the interior of the assembly.

In some of these embodiments, a push-only approach is used by the motorto directly or indirectly push the container (e.g., via the linkagestructure) and achieve deformation of the membrane, thereby altering anoptical property of the lens. In other examples, a push-pull approach isused where the container (or some other element) is both pushed andpulled. Attachment of the motor, the container, and the linkagestructure may be accomplished via various approaches such as by anadhesive (e.g., glue) or any other type of fastener arrangement (e.g.,screws, nails, or the like). Pull-only approaches may also be used. Thedetermination of the type of approach used to move the container (andachieve lens deformation) may depend upon, among other factors, theoverall height desired for the assembly and a starting focus or zoomposition of lenses used in the assembly.

In many of these embodiments, an optical apparatus includes a firstmembrane, a second membrane, and at least one electromagneticallydisplaceable component. The first membrane includes an optically activearea. The first membrane and the second membrane are coupled by a fillermaterial disposed in a reservoir. The at least one electromagneticallydisplaceable component is coupled to the filler material via the secondmembrane, such that a displacement of the at least oneelectromagnetically displaceable component is operative to cause adeformation of the optically active area of the first membrane bymovement of the filler material.

The filler material may be a liquid, an ionic liquid, a gel, a gas, anda polymer. Other examples of filler materials are possible. In someaspects, the filler material and the membrane are the same material.

In one example, the electromagnetically displaceable component includesa coil. In another example, the electromagnetically displaceablecomponent includes at least one magnet. In some examples, theelectromagnetically displaceable component is constructed from amagnetically soft material.

In some approaches when a coil is used, applying the current to theelectrical coil is operative with a magnetic field to create anelectromotive force and to move the electrical coil in a generally axialdirection with respect to the optical axis of the lens. In some aspects,the coil is stationary with respect to the container and the at leastone magnet is movable with respect to the coil.

In yet other embodiments, the electromagnetically displaceable componentis mechanically coupled to the second membrane, such that a deformationof the second membrane results in a deformation of the first membrane bymovement of the filler material. In some other examples, theelectromagnetically displaceable component is attached to the secondmembrane section by an attachment mechanism such as by mechanicaladhesion, chemical adhesion, dispersive adhesion, electrostatic adhesionand diffusive adhesion.

In other aspects, the electromagnetically displaceable componentdelimits at least one of the first membrane and the second membrane. Instill other examples, the first membrane and the second membrane aredelimited from each other by a lens shaper. In some approaches, the lensshaper comprises a circular opening which defines the shape of theoptically active area of the first membrane.

In some of these examples, the at least one electromagneticallydisplaceable component is positioned on either side of the secondmembrane. In other approaches, the second membrane laterally surroundsthe first membrane. In yet other examples, the electromagneticallydisplaceable component laterally surrounds the first membrane.

In some of these approaches, at least one of the first membrane or thesecond membrane are arranged in a pre-stretched manner. In otheraspects, the membrane is at least partially constructed from at leastone material such as gels, elastomers, thermoplast, and duroplast. Otherexamples of materials can be used to construct the membrane.

In other aspects, the coil comprises a bobbin, which is attached to thesecond membrane and an electrically conductive wire, which is arrangedon the bobbin. In some approaches, the bobbin is constructed from arigid material.

In still other aspects, the coil operates to interact with a magnetizedstructure. In some of these examples, the magnetized structure comprisesat least one magnet. The magnetized structure comprises a flux guidingstructure and the flux guiding structure may be constructed from amagnetically soft material. In some aspects, a periphery of themagnetized structure is substantially rectangular in shape.

The optical apparatus so constructed can be used in a wide variety ofsystems such as optical focusing systems, zoom systems, and illuminationsystems. Other examples of systems are possible.

In others of these embodiments, an optical apparatus includes at leastone electromagnetically displaceable component and a continuousmembrane. The membrane has a first membrane section and a secondmembrane section and the second membrane section extends from the firstmembrane section. The first membrane section and the second membranesection are coupled via a filler material. A displacement of the atleast one electromagnetically displaceable component causes movement ofthe second membrane section, thereby causing movement of the fillermaterial that deforms at least a part of the first membrane section.

In some aspects, the filler material is a deformable material. In otheraspects, the electromagnetically displaceable component includes a coil.In still other aspects, the electromagnetically displaceable componentincludes a magnet. In yet other aspects, the electromagneticallydisplaceable component is constructed from a magnetically soft material.

In some of these examples, the electromagnetically displaceablecomponent is attached to the second membrane section by an attachmentmechanism such as by mechanical adhesion, chemical adhesion, dispersiveadhesion, electrostatic adhesion and diffusive adhesion.

In other aspects, the electromagnetically displaceable componentdelimits at least one of the first membrane section and the secondmembrane section. In some examples, the first membrane section and thesecond membrane section are delimited from each other by a lens shaper.In some approaches, the lens shaper comprises a circular opening whichdefines the shape of the optically active area of the first membranesection. In other examples, the electromagnetically displaceablecomponent surrounds the first membrane section.

In other aspects, at least one of the first membrane section and thesecond membrane section may be arranged in a pre-stretched manner. Themembrane may be at least partially constructed from at least onematerial selected from gels, elastomers, thermoplast, and duroplast.Other examples of materials are possible.

In other examples, the coil is coupled to a bobbin which is attached tothe second membrane. When a bobbin is used, the bobbin may beconstructed from a rigid material.

In some aspects, the coil operates to interact with a magnetizedstructure. In some approaches, the magnetized structure comprises atleast one magnet. In other aspects, the magnetized structure comprises aflux guiding structure. The flux guiding structure may be constructedfrom a magnetically soft material.

In some examples, the electromagnetically displaceable component is partof a motor system. In some approaches, a periphery of the motor systemis substantially rectangular in shape.

The apparatus may be used in a wide variety of different systems. Forexample it may be at least part of an optical focusing system, zoomsystem, and illumination system. Other examples of systems are possible.

In yet others of these embodiments, an optical apparatus includes atleast one actuator element, a mechanical linkage element, a lens, areservoir in communication with the lens, a membrane, and a container.The membrane and the container at least partially enclose a fillermaterial and the membrane is coupled to the mechanical linkage element.Electrical excitation of the at least one actuator element is operativeto causes a plurality of movements of the at least one actuator element.Each of the plurality of movements occurs over a first distance, and theplurality of movements of the at least one actuator element areoperative to move the mechanical linkage element a second distance. Thesecond distance is substantially greater than the first distance, andthe movement of the mechanical linkage element causes a displacement ofthe membrane and the filler material. The displacement of the fillermaterial alters at least one optical property of the lens.

In some aspects, the at least one actuator element includes a piezoactuator element. The piezo actuator element may be part of a piezomotor.

In other aspects, the actuator element is at least part of one of apiezo motor, stepper motor, voicecoil motor, screw drive motor,microelectromechanical system motor, or magnetostrictive motor. In yetother aspects, the filler material and the membrane are constructed fromthe same material. In some examples, the membrane is arranged in apre-stretched manner. In some approaches, the membrane is at leastpartially constructed from at least one material such as gels,elastomers, thermoplast, and duroplast.

The apparatus may be at least part of one of an optical focusing system,zoom system, and illumination system. Other examples of systems arepossible.

In others of these embodiments, a motor includes a first magnet; a firstcoil placed proximate to the first magnet; a second magnet; a secondcoil placed proximate to the second magnet; a first flux which isgenerated by the first magnet; a second flux generated by the secondmagnet; and a third flux which is generated by both the first and secondmagnet. A current excitation of the first coil is operative with thefirst and third flux to create a sufficient force to displace the firstcoil with respect to the first magnet and excitation of the second coilis operative with the second and third flux to create a sufficient forceto displace the second coil with respect to the second magnet. At leastsome of the first flux, the second flux, or the third flux passesthrough a deformable optical element.

In some aspects, a flux guiding structure is arranged such that the fluxguiding structure increases the flux density at the first coil and thesecond coil and the flux guiding structure optimizes the force. In otherexamples, the third flux is a significant portion of the total flux andincreases the flux density at the coils. In some approaches, the firstcoil is mechanically coupled to an optical element. The motor may alsoinclude at least one additional magnet configured to increase the fluxdensity at the coils.

In others of these embodiments, an optical apparatus includes adeformable lens, a first reservoir, an optical sensor, and a motor. Thefirst reservoir communicates with the deformable lens. The opticalsensor receives light which passes through the deformable lens. Themotor includes a first magnet; a first coil placed proximate to thefirst magnet; and a first flux which is generated by the first magnetwherein the first flux flows through a first coil and interacts withcurrent in the first coil to create a force. A portion of the motor ispositioned between the first reservoir and the optical sensor. In otherexamples, the optical apparatus further includes a second reservoir anda portion of the motor is positioned between the first reservoir and thesecond reservoir.

In still others of these embodiments, an optical apparatus includes asemi-permeable membrane, a container, a lens, and a filler material. Thelens is defined by the semi-permeable membrane and the container. Thefiller material is disposed within the lens and contained therein by themembrane and the container. The semi-permeable membrane is at leastpartially constructed from a material that is permeable to gases butsubstantially impermeable to the filler material and the gases residingwithin the lens diffuse through the membrane when the lens is closed bythe membrane and the container. The optical properties of the opticalapparatus are changed by deforming the filler material.

The optical apparatus may further include a mechanically displaceablecomponent that is mechanically coupled to the semi permeable membrane.In some examples, the semi-permeable membrane has physical propertieswherein at least approximately 90% of the gas trapped between thesemi-permeable membrane and the container diffuses through thesemi-permeable membrane within less than approximately 24 hours when apressure difference of approximately one atmosphere exists across thesemi-permeable membrane. Other examples are possible.

In others of these embodiments, an optical apparatus includes adeformable lens, a motor, and a mechanical linkage. The deformable lenshas an optical axis and the mechanical linkage is actuated by the motorand coupled to the deformable lens through a filler material, such thatan interface exists between the mechanical linkage structure and thefiller material. The interface substantially surrounds the optical axis.

In some examples, the motor moves a first distance and the firstdistance is less than a peak displacement of the deformable lens. Inother examples, the motor moves in an axial direction. In some examples,the mechanical linkage disposed at the interface between the fillermaterial and the mechanical linkage is substantially non-deformable.

In other aspects, the mechanical linkage structure provides anon-deformable surface at the interface. The filler material provides adeformable area adjacent to the interface. The non-deformable surface isin a range from approximately 25 percent to approximately 900 percent ofthe deformable area. In some examples, the mechanical linkage alsoincludes a bobbin which is attached to an electrically conductive coil.

In others of these embodiments, an optical apparatus includes anactuator device, a lens, a reservoir, a membrane, and a container. Theactuator device includes at least one piezo motor and the at least onepiezo motor has a first portion and a second portion and a piezoactuator and the second portion is movable with respect to the firstportion and coupled to a linkage structure. The reservoir is incommunication with the lens. The membrane and a container at leastpartially enclose the filler material within the lens and reservoir andthe membrane is mechanically coupled with the linkage structure.Excitation of the at least one piezo motor is operative to move thesecond portion of the at least one piezo motor to move the linkagestructure and cause a displacement of the membrane and the fillermaterial. The displacement of the filler material alters at least oneoptical property of the lens.

In still others of these embodiments, an optical apparatus includes atleast one piezo motor, a lens, a reservoir, a membrane, and a container.The reservoir is in communication with the lens. The membrane and acontainer at least partially enclose a filler material within the lensand reservoir. A linkage member is coupled to the at least one piezomotor and the membrane and the linkage member is rotatable about ahinge. Excitation of the at least one piezo motor is operative to rotatethe linkage member about the hinge and create a substantially axialdirected force that is operative to cause a displacement of the membraneand the filler material. The displacement of the filler materialaltering at least one optical property of the lens.

In still others of these embodiments, an optical apparatus includes ahousing, a deformable lens, a lens shaper, a first mechanism, and asecond mechanism. The lens shaper defines the shape of the deformablelens. The first mechanism is positioned within the housing to adjust anoptical property of the deformable lens. The second mechanism ispositioned within the housing to adjust an optical property of thedeformable lens. The second mechanism is at least one of anelectromechanical actuator or motor and the first mechanism and thesecond mechanism are different types of mechanisms.

In some examples, the first mechanism utilizes one or more componentssuch as screws, threads, and mechanical positioning. Other examples arepossible.

In some approaches, the optical apparatus may further include a lockingmechanism which prevents the first mechanism from further adjusting anoptical property of the deformable lens. In other approaches, one ormore elements of the locking mechanism may involve at least one of aprocess such as application of adhesive, welding, clamping and heatstaking.

In some aspects, the first mechanism is removable from the housing. Inother aspects, the deformable lens is at least partially defined by acontainer. In still other aspects, deformation of the deformable lenscauses a change in the optical property of the deformable lens.

In other aspects, the first mechanism changes a position of the lensshaper with respect to the container which causes the deformable lens todeform, thereby changing the optical property of the deformable lens. Inother examples, the optical apparatus further includes a membrane andthe first mechanism acts to change an initial tension of at least aportion of the membrane.

In still others of these embodiments, an optical apparatus includes adisplacement mechanism, a container, and a lens shaper. The container atleast partially encloses a filler material and the filler material atleast partially defines a plurality of deformable lenses. Thedisplacement mechanism is capable of changing an optical property of atleast one of the plurality of deformable lenses.

In other examples, the apparatus further includes a membrane and themembrane at least partially encloses the filler material. In otherexamples, the apparatus further includes at least one light source whichinteracts with at least one of the plurality of deformable lenses. Thelight source is an element such as a light emitting diode, a laser, ahalogen lamp, or a discharge lamp. In still other examples, theapparatus further includes a reflector in communication with one or moreof the plurality of deformable lenses. The optical apparatus may be usedfor illumination purposes.

In others of these embodiments, an optical apparatus includes a lightsource and a reflector. The light source emits light rays and thereflector redirects parts of the light rays emitted by the light sourceonto a deformable lens, which receives both light rays directly emittedby the light source, and also receives the light rays redirected by thereflector. An actuation mechanism is coupled to the deformable lens andis operative to cause a deformation of the deformable lens, causing achange in the optical properties of the optical apparatus.

In some aspects, the deformable lens is constructed from at least onematerial such as a gel and a polymer. Other examples are possible. Inother aspects, the light source is an element such as a light emittingdiode, a laser, a halogen lamp, and a discharge lamp. Other examples oflight sources are possible. In still other examples, the reflector is anelement such as a free-form metal, mirror, free-form plastic. Otherexamples of reflectors are possible. In other examples, the opticalapparatus further includes at least one rigid optical element such as afilter, a lens, a diffuser, a grating, a micro-structure, and a mirror.

In other aspects, the deformation of the deformable lens is caused by amovement of the rigid optical element towards the light source. In stillother aspects, the deformation of the deformable lens is caused by adisplacement of a lens shaper.

In some examples, the deformable lens is constructed from a firstdeformable material which is at least partially surrounded by adeformable membrane. In some approaches, the first deformable materialis at least one material such as gas, liquid, ionic liquid, gel, andpolymer.

The actuation mechanism may include a variety of different mechanisms.For example, the actuation mechanism may be a manual or anelectromechanical mechanism.

In some examples, the deformable lens is coupled to the reflector. Inother examples, a plurality of optical apparatuses may be arranged so asto form an optical system (e.g., a system for illumination).

In still others of these embodiments, an optical apparatus includes afirst deformable lens, a first reservoir, a first container, a seconddeformable lens, a second reservoir, a second container, and anelectromechanical actuation device. The first reservoir is incommunication with the first deformable lens by means of a first fillermaterial. The first container at least partially encloses the fillermaterial within the first deformable lens and the first reservoir. Thesecond reservoir is in communication with the second deformable lens bymeans of a second filler material. The second container at leastpartially encloses the filler material within the second deformable lensand the second reservoir. The electromechanical actuation device isoperative in a plurality of directions and at least one direction of theelectromechanical actuation device is operative to change one opticalproperty of the first deformable lens. The second direction of theelectromechanical actuation device is operative to change one opticalproperty of the second deformable lens.

In still others of these embodiments, an optical apparatus includes adeformable lens, a lens shaper, a support member, and a membrane. Thelens shaper at least partially defines a shape of the deformable lens.The lens shaper and the support member clamp the membrane such that themembrane is always (or substantially always) in contact with the lensshaper. The deformable lens can have a convex or a concave shape, andthe lens shaper and the support member are stationary with respect toeach other.

In yet others of these embodiments, an optical apparatus includes a lensshaper, a support member, and a membrane. The lens shaper surrounds anopening in the lens assembly and has an inner ring portion and an outerportion, the inner ring portion extending from the outer portion in agenerally axial direction. The membrane is generally disposed betweenthe lens shaper and the support member. The membrane is flexible anddeforms across the opening in the optical apparatus. The membrane has aradius that varies based upon the shape of the membrane, and the radiusis selectively adjustable. The membrane radially extends from theopening so as to be in contact with the inner ring portion of the lensshaper.

In still others of these embodiments, an optical apparatus includes adeformable lens, a lens shaper, and a first detachment point. Thedeformable lens defines at least by a first membrane and a fillermaterial. The deformable lens is in contact with the lens shaper at acontact region, and not in contact with the lens shaper at a non-contactregion. The first detachment point is defined as the interface betweenthe contact region and the non-contact region. The first detachmentpoint defines a diameter of the deformable lens. The shape of the lensshaper allows for a location of the first detachment point to vary withdeformation of the deformable lens, such that the diameter of thedeformable lens varies with the location of the first detachment point.In some examples, an axial position of the detachment point varies withthe deformation of the deformable lens.

In others of these examples, the optical apparatus further includes afirst support member; a second membrane which is a subset of the firstmembrane that is in contact with the lens shaper at the contact region;a third membrane which is connected with an end of the second membraneand the first support member; a second detachment point which is locatedat a connection point between the second membrane and the thirdmembrane; a first theoretical line which is tangent to the lens shaperat the first detachment point and a second theoretical line which istangent to the lens shaper at the second detachment point; and aconnection angle defined as an angle between the first theoretical lineand the second theoretical line and is a supplementary angle to an anglethat contains a majority of the lens shaper. A connection angle positivesense is defined as being in a direction from the second theoreticalline through the first theoretical line and towards the lens shaperwherein the connection angle does not span across the lens shaper. Theabsolute value of the connection angle is between 0 and 180 degrees.

In some examples, only frictional forces are used to hold the firstmembrane to the lens shaper.

In still other examples, the apparatus further includes a second lensshaper, and a third lens shaper. Deformation of the deformable lenscauses the lens shaper to shift from the second lens shaper to the thirdlens shaper and changes the diameter of the deformable lens.

In still other examples, the optical apparatus further includes a secondlens shaper and a third lens shaper. Deformation of the deformable lenscauses the detachment point to shift from the second lens shaper to thethird lens shaper and changes an axial position of the deformable lens.

In still others of these embodiments, an optical apparatus includes adeformable lens, a lens shaper, and an actuation device. The deformablelens is capable of assuming a plurality of shapes. The lens shaper atleast partially defines a shape of the deformable lens. The actuationdevice is capable of changing at least one optical property of thedeformable lens. An inner surface of the lens shaper extends from afirst face and has a first perimeter having a first shape and extends toa second face having a second perimeter having a second shape. The firstshape and the second shape are different. The shape of the deformablelens can be defined by the first face of the lens shaper or the secondface.

In some examples, the first face of the lens shaper is substantiallycircular and the second face of the lens shaper is substantiallynon-circular. In other examples, the first face of the lens shaper issubstantially non-circular and the second face of the lens shaper issubstantially non-circular.

The approaches described herein can be used to form various types oflens assemblies having any number of lenses or other optical componentsused in any combination. For example, any number of the tunable lensesdescribed herein can be used in conjunction with other optical elementsor lenses to form any type of lens assembly to achieve any opticalpurpose or function. Additionally, the assembly may be combined withother focus tunable and non-focus tunable lenses, filters and any othercombination of optical systems, including mirrors, gratings, prisms,shutters, image stabilizers and apertures. Any of the tunable or focusadjustable lenses described herein can be incorporated into a systemaccording to any approach described in the application entitled “ZoomLens System and Method” having attorney docket number 97373 and filed onthe same day as the present application, the contents of which areincorporated herein in their entirety.

Referring now to the figures and particularly FIGS. 1a and 1b , oneexample of a lens assembly 100 is described. The lens assembly 100includes a flux guiding structure 102, a magnet 104, a plastic holder106, an optical membrane 108, a coil 110 (disposed in a chamber 107), abottom plate 112 (e.g., a glass plate), and a vent 114. The assemblyforms a central opening 118, which is filled with air. A cover (e.g., aglass cover and not shown) may be placed on the top of the assembly toprotect the internal components from debris and/or provide other opticalfunctions. The central opening 118 extends in an axial direction (in thedirection of the z-axis) through the assembly 100. Light rays 152representative of an image move through the central opening 118 in thelens structure in the axial direction. Once acted on by the componentsof the lens structure, a sensor 150 (e.g., a charged coupled device(CCD)) or CMOS device receives and senses the image.

As described elsewhere herein, the flux guiding structure 102 provides apath for magnetic flux provided by the permanent magnet 104 created byexcitation of the coil 110. The flux guiding structure 102 may becomposed of any suitable paramagnetic material such as metal and inparticular iron. More specifically, a magnetically soft iron, steel, orNi—Fe material may be used. Other examples of metals and othercompositions of materials are possible.

The optical membrane 108 and bottom plate 112 form and define a lens anda reservoir 116. Different filler materials (e.g., fluid, gas, gel, orother materials) can be used to fill the reservoir 116. The refractiveindexes of the filler materials used to fill the reservoir 116 may alsovary. In one example, a fluid is used as the filler material and therefractive index of the fluid in the reservoir 116 is selected to bedifferent from the refractive index of the air in the opening 118. Thebottom plate 112 may be constructed from glass and provide opticalcorrection functions. Also, the plate 112 may prevent debris fromentering the assembly 100.

The optical membrane 108 separating the upper and lower part of the lensis made of flexible material. The central section of the membrane andthe actuator (torus) section (where the coil 110 is attached) may bemade of the same membrane material. However, in other examples theactuator section of the membrane and the central/optical section areconstructed of different membrane materials. The properties of themembrane and/or the filler materials (e.g., an optical fluid) combine toprovide reflective, refractive, diffractive, and absorptive, and/orcolor filtering functions. Other functions may also be provided by themembrane 108 and/or the filler material in the reservoir 116. Anoptional top plate (not shown) may be used to cover the top of theassembly 100.

The coil 110 is any wound wire coil structure and can be configured in avariety of different ways. For example, the coil 110 may be a singlecoil or a double coil. The wire in the coil 110 may also be of anysuitable gauge or diameter. The coil 110 may be attached to the membranewith any type of adhesive or fastener (e.g., glue).

The magnet 104 is any suitable permanent magnet that is polarized in adirection that creates the desired flux flow. For example, the magnet104 may be magnetized in an axial angle of zero degrees with respect tothe optical axis. Other magnetization or polarizations and angulardirections for the magnetization of the magnet 104 may be provided. Themagnet 104 may be a single ring-shaped magnet or alternatively, beconstructed from several segments.

The holder 106 may be composed of any suitable material. In one example,it is constructed of a plastic (e.g., the holder may be a plastic or thelike). The holder 106 supports some or all of the remaining members ofthe assembly 100.

As mentioned, the shape of the overall lens (e.g., including themembrane 108 and reservoir 116) can be varied depending upon the opticalfunction desired. For example, spherical lenses (e.g., convex andconcave), aspherical lenses (e.g., convex and concave), cylindricallenses (e.g., defined by a square housing instead of round), flatlenses, micro lenses (e.g. a micro lens array or a diffraction grating),and lenses which include an antireflection coating (e.g., a nanostructure) that are integrated or attached to the optically activesection of the lens can be provided. Other types of lenses are possible.

In the example of FIGS. 1a and 1b , the filler material (e.g., anoptical fluid) is retained in the reservoir 116 on one side by theflexible membrane 108 and on the other side by a rigid material, forexample, by a plate 112 (e.g., a correction glass plate). However, inother examples, both sides of the reservoir are encased by a separatemembrane (i.e., two flexible membranes and one motor structure).

The vents 114 allow air to flow in and out of the chamber 107 as thecoil 110 moves within the chamber. To take one example, as the coil 110moves downward, air enters the chamber 107 and as the coil moves upward,air exits the chamber 107.

The assembly 100 may be stacked in any combination with theabove-described focus tunable lens, such as, for example, with otherfocus tunable and non-focus tunable lenses, filters and any othercombination of optical systems, including mirrors, gratings, prisms, andapertures. The assembly 100 be used with or include other elements aswell.

In one example of the operation of the system of FIGS. 1a and 1b ,application of a current through the coil 110 results in a movement ofthe coil 110 (e.g., up or down, depending on the direction of thecurrent). The amount and direction of current provided may be controlledby any number of devices or approaches. For example, a user may manuallypress a switch, button, or other actuator to control current flow. Inanother example, current flow may be controlled by a program oralgorithm (e.g., an autofocus or zoom program or algorithm), whichadjusts automatically the current flow supplied to the coil 110.

More specifically, in FIG. 1a , the current is zero amperes and the coilis in a first position. Referring now to FIG. 1b , current is applied tothe coil 110 and the resultant interaction of the current and themagnetic field of the magnet 104 creates an electromotive force thatmoves the coil 110 from the first position to a second position in anaxial direction (along the z-axis). Movement of the coil 110 to thesecond position pushes the membrane 108 and this pressing of themembrane 108 displaces the filler material (e.g., optical fluid) in thereservoir and moves the membrane 108 from a first position (as shown inFIG. 1A) to a second position (as shown in FIG. 1B). Consequently, theshape of the lens section (e.g., the membrane 108 and the plate 112 andthe filler material) changes. Changing the shape of the lens alters theoptical properties of the lens. Inhomogeneous material thickness orhardness for the membrane 108 may also be used to alter the opticalproperties of the lens.

Referring now to FIGS. 2a and 2b , another example of a lens assembly200 is described. The lens assembly 200 includes a flux guidingstructure 202, a first magnet 204, a second magnet 205, a membrane 208,a coil 210 (disposed in a chamber 207), a bottom plate 212 (e.g., aglass or polycarbonate plate), a top plate 213 (e.g., a glass plate),and vents 214 and 215. The top plate 213 and membrane 208 define a firstreservoir 218 and the bottom plate 212 and membrane 208 form a secondreservoir 216. Each of the reservoirs 216 and 218 are filled with afiller material such as a liquid, gel, or some other filler material. Asupport structure (e.g., a plastic component and not shown in FIGS. 2aand 2b ) may support all or some of the elements of the assembly 200.The vents 214 allow air to flow in and out of the chamber 207 as thecoil 210 moves within the chamber 207. A central opening 230 extends inan axial direction (in the direction of the z-axis) through the assembly200. Light rays 252 representative of an image move through the centralopening 230 in the lens structure in the axial direction. Once acted onby the components of the lens structure, a sensor 250 (e.g., a chargecoupled device (CCD)) receives and senses the image.

In this example, the coil 210 is attached on both sides of the membrane208. Attachment may be made by any adhesive or fastener arrangement(e.g., glue). This allows, for example, an operation that requiresmerely pushing on the membrane 208 rather than pulling the membrane, tothereby shift or tune the lens from a convex shape to a concave shape.Accordingly, the support structure (e.g., the bobbin) may not need to beglued or otherwise attached onto the membrane 208. To preventgravitational effects, both sides of the reservoirs 216 and 218 arefilled with a filler material (e.g., liquids) having similar densities,but with different indices of refraction.

As described elsewhere herein, the flux guiding structure 202 provides apath for magnetic flux created by the permanent magnet and interactingwith the magnetic fields of the coils 210. The flux guiding structure202 may be composed of any suitable metal such as iron. Other examplesof magnetically soft materials or other compositions are possible.

In the example of FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B, the optical membrane 208separates the upper and lower part of the lens is made of flexiblematerial. The central section of the membrane 208 and the actuator(torus) section (where the coil 210 is attached) may be made of onemembrane material. However, in other examples the actuator section ofthe membrane and the central/optical section are constructed ofdifferent membrane materials. As with the example of FIG. 1A and FIG.1B, the membrane or the filler material (e.g., an optical fluid) cancombine to provide various reflective, refractive, diffractive, andabsorptive, or color filtering properties for the system. Otherproperties may also be provided.

The coil 210 is any wound wire coil and can be configured in a varietyof different ways. For example, the coil 210 may be a single coil or adouble coil. Additionally, the wire in the coil 210 may be of anysuitable gauge or diameter. The magnets 204 and 205 are any suitablepermanent magnets that are polarized in a direction that creates thedesired flux flow (e.g., the magnets may be radially or axiallypolarized).

The holder (not shown) may be composed of any suitable material. Asmentioned, the holder may be a plastic part or similar arrangement. Inone example, it is constructed of a plastic. The holder supports some orall of the remaining members of the assembly.

The shape of the lens (e.g., the relative positioning of the membrane208 with respect to each of the reservoirs 216 and 218) can be varied.For example, spherical lenses (e.g., convex and concave), asphericallenses (e.g., convex and concave), cylindrical lenses (e.g., defined bya square housing instead of round), flat lenses, and any micro lenses(e.g., a micro lens array or a diffraction grating), and lensesincluding antireflection coating (e.g., nano structure), which can beintegrated or attached to the optically active section of the lens canbe created. Other examples are also possible.

In the example of FIGS. 2A and 2B, the membrane 208 separates thereservoirs 216 and 218. Plates 212 and 213 enclose the other sides ofthe reservoirs 216 and 218. The plates 212 and 213 may be constructedfrom glass and provide optical correction functions. Also, the plates212 and 213 may prevent debris from entering the assembly 200 when anair gap is on the other side of the plate.

The assembly 200 may be stacked in any combination with theabove-described focus tunable lens, such as, for example, with otherfocus tunable and non-focus tunable lenses, filters and any othercombination of optical systems, including mirrors, gratings, prisms, andapertures. The assembly 200 can be used with other elements as well.

In one example of the operation of the system of FIGS. 2A and 2B,application of a current through the coil 210 results in a movement ofthe coil 210 (e.g., up or down, depending on the direction of thecurrent). The amount and direction of current provided may be controlledby any number of devices or approaches. For example, a user may manuallypress a switch, button, or other actuator to control current flow. Inanother example, current flow may be controlled by a program oralgorithm (e.g., an autofocus or zoom program or algorithm), whichadjusts automatically the current flow supplied to the coil.

More specifically, in FIG. 2A, the current is zero amperes and the coilis in a first position and membrane 208 is also in a first position.Referring now to FIG. 2B, current is applied to the coil 210. Thecurrent interacts with the magnetic flux created by the magnets 204 and205 and the flux guiding structures and the resultant electromotiveforce moves the coil 210 from the first position to a second position inan axial direction along the z-axis. Movement of the coil 210 to thesecond position pushes the membrane 208 and this pushing of the membrane208 displaces the filler material in the reservoirs 216 and 218 suchthat the membrane 208 moves upward. This movement alters the opticalproperties of the lens since the relative shapes of the first reservoir216, second reservoir 218, and membrane 208 are changed. Inhomogeneousmaterial thickness or hardness for the membrane 208 may also be used toalter the optical properties of the lens.

Referring now to FIG. 3, another example of a lens assembly 300 isdescribed. The lens assembly 300 includes a flux guiding structure 302,a first magnet 304, a second magnet 305, a holder 306, a first membrane308, a second membrane 309, a first coil 310 (disposed in a chamber327), a second coil 311 (disposed in a second chamber 328) a top plate312, a first vent 314, and a second vent 315. A chamber 316 is formedbetween the top plate 312 (e.g., a glass plate) and the first membrane308 and is filled with air. A reservoir 318 is formed between the firstmembrane 308 and the second membrane 309 and is filled with a fillermaterial. A second opening 313 extends at the bottom of the assembly andis filled with air. A central opening 330 extends in an axial direction(in the direction of the z-axis) through the assembly 300. Light rays352 representative of an image move through the central opening 330 inthe lens structure in the axial direction. Once acted on by thecomponents of the lens structure, a sensor 350 (e.g., a charge coupleddevice (CCD)) receives and senses the image.

The vents 314 and 315 allow air to flow in and out of chambers 327 and328, and the coils 310 and 311 move within these chambers. To take oneexample, as the coil 310 moves downward, air enters the chamber 327 andas the coil moves upward, air exits the chamber 327.

The plate 312 may be constructed from glass and provide opticalcorrection functions. Also, the plate 312 may prevent debris fromentering the assembly 300.

In this example, two motors are used. More specifically, both sides ofthe lens (e.g., the first membrane 308, reservoir 318, and secondmembrane 309) are deformed using a separate motor positioned on eachside of this lens. When one of the chamber 316 or the opening 313 (whenthis opening is sealed with a cover or plate) is air-tight sealed, thenboth of the lens sides (i.e., the membranes 308 and 309) can be deformedindependently of each other.

The flux guiding structure 302 provides a path for magnetic flux createdby the first magnet 304 and the second magnet 305. The flux guidingstructure 302 may be composed of any suitable magnetically soft materialsuch as iron. Other examples of metals or other compositions are alsopossible.

The optical membrane 308 and 309 separating the upper and lower partmade of flexible materials. The central section of the membrane and theactuator (torus) section (where the coils 310 or 311 is attached) may bemade of one membrane material. However, in other examples the actuatorsection of the membrane and the central/optical section are constructedof different membrane materials. As described elsewhere herein themembrane 308, membrane 309 and/or reservoir 318 can provide variousreflective, refractive, diffractive, and absorptive, or color filteringfunctions for the overall system. Other examples of functions may beprovided as well.

The coils 310 and 311 are any wound wire coils and can be configured ina variety of different ways. For example, the coil 310 or 311 may be asingle coil or a double coil. The wire in the coils 310 and 311 may beof any suitable gauge or diameter. The wire could also be rectangular orhexagonal for improved packing density. The magnets 304 and 305 are anysuitable magnet that is polarized in a direction that creates thedesired flux flow.

The holder 306 may be composed of any suitable material. In one example,it is a component that is constructed of a plastic. The holder 306supports some or all of the remaining members of the assembly.

The shape of the lens (e.g., the membrane 308, 309 and the reservoir318) can be varied to produce various types of lenses. For example,spherical lenses (e.g., convex and concave), aspherical lenses (e.g.,convex and concave), cylindrical lenses (e.g., defined by a squarehousing instead of round), flat lenses, micro lenses (e.g. micro lensarray, diffraction grating), and lenses including antireflectioncoatings (e.g., nano structures) that can be integrated or attached tothe optically active section of the lens can be created. Other examplesof lens structures are possible. Inhomogeneous material thickness orhardness for the membrane 308 may also be used to alter the opticalproperties of the lens.

As shown in FIG. 3, the membranes 308 and 309 constrain the fillermaterial in the reservoir 318. The top cover provides an air-tight sealfor the chamber 316. A bottom cover (not shown) may also seal theopening 313.

The assembly 300 may be stacked in any combination with theabove-described focus tunable lens, such as, for example, with otherfocus tunable and non-focus tunable lenses, filters and any othercombination of optical systems, including mirrors, gratings, prisms, andapertures. The assembly 300 may be used with other elements as well.

In one example of the operation of the system of FIG. 3, electriccurrent can be applied to one or both of the coils 310 and 311. Theamount and direction of current provided may be controlled by any numberof devices or approaches. For example, a user may manually press aswitch, button, or other actuator to control current flow. In anotherexample, current flow may be controlled by a program or algorithm (e.g.,an autofocus program), which adjusts automatically the current flowsupplied to the coil. The interaction of the current with the magneticfield of the magnets creates an electromotive force that moves one orboth of the coils in an axial direction along the z-axis. Movement ofthe coils 310 and/or 311 displaces the filler material (e.g., opticalfluid) in the reservoir 318, thereby altering the overall lens shape.Since the chamber 316 is sealed, movement of each of the membranes 308and 309 can be independently controlled.

The membranes as described herein can be produced by using variousmethods and manufacturing techniques. For example, the membranes can beformed using knife coating, curtain coating, calendaring, injectionmolding, nano-imprinting, sputtering, hot embossing, casting,spin-coating, spraying, and/or chemical self-assembly techniques. Otherexamples are possible.

The membranes can also be constructed from various materials. Forexample, the membranes can be constructed from gels (for example,Optical Gel OG-1001 by Litway); polymers (e.g., PDMS Sylgard 186 by DowCorning, or Neukasil RTV 25); acrylic materials (e.g. VHB 4910 by the 3MCompany); polyurethane; and/or elastomers to name a few examples. Inmany of these examples, the membranes are constructed from a permeablematerial through which air (but not liquids or gels) can pass. Otherexamples are possible.

Additionally, in some examples, the membranes are pre-stretched. Thistechnique may provide an improved optical quality and faster response inmovement or deformation of the membrane. For example, the membrane maybe mounted in a prestretched manner under elastic tension. The membranemay be stretched in stages such that the elastic tension of the innerarea of the membrane is less than the tension in the outer area of themembrane. In other embodiments, prestretching is not used.

Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, one example of an approach for forming alens assembly is described. At step 502 (FIG. 4a ), a housing isprovided. The housing may include a flux guiding structure and a plasticholder to name two example elements. Generally speaking, materialchoices for the parts of the lens assemblies described herein can beselected to minimize frictional forces between the moving parts of thelens assemblies described herein. For example, durable plastics may beused.

At step 504 (FIG. 4b ), the membrane is coupled or connected to thehousing. The membrane can have a flexible anti-reflective coatinghaving, for example, a nanostructure molded in a flexible materialintegrated or attached to the lens defining membrane. The coating canhave a thin layer of nanoparticles (e.g., SiO2 particles evenlydistributed on a thin layer on the membrane). Other coatings are alsocontemplated which are known to those skilled in the art.

At step 506 (FIG. 4c ) the structure is flipped upside down and a vacuumis drawn. A fluid (e.g., oil) is then applied over the membrane. Thefluid can be applied by various methods. For instance, ink-jetting,dispensing, pumping, and/or dosing may be used. Other approaches arealso contemplated which are known to those skilled in the art.

At step 508 (FIG. 4d ) a cover (e.g., a glass cover) is coupled to thehousing. The coupling may be made by glue or some other adhesive orfastener (e.g., screw, snap connectors, ultrasonic welding, hot melting,or the like). The cover, which is in the optical path of the lens canbe, for example, reflective, diffractive, transparent, absorptive,refractive or a color-filter glass. It can also take any shape,including but not limited to, prisms, lenses, or micro ornanostructures, including anti-reflective, anti-scratch, and anti-glarecoating. Other examples are possible.

At step 510 (FIG. 4e ), the housing is again reversed (flipped over) andair bubbles appear at the top. At step 512 (FIG. 4f ), the airpenetrates the membrane leaving a reservoir free or substantially freefrom air bubbles through diffusion. The fluid chamber can be sealed byvarious methods, such as, for example, heat melting, gluing, chemicalcross-linking, ultrasonic welding, and/or clamping. Other sealingapproaches are also contemplated which are known to those skilled in theart.

Referring now to FIGS. 6-8, an example of a lens assembly 600 isdescribed. The lens assembly 600 includes a first bobbin 601 (e.g., anL-shaped bobbin), a second bobbin 602 (e.g., an L-shaped bobbin), afirst coil 604, a second coil 605, magnets 606, an outer case returnstructure 608, a central core 610, a metal cylinder 612, (appearing as apole in the cross-sectional view) a first fluid lens 613, a second fluidlens 614, a fixed lens 616, aperture portions 618, and lens attachpoints 620. A separate image sensor 650 receives images through theassembly 600. Attachments to the sensor 650 (e.g., a CCD sensor) and atop cover and further corrective optical elements are not shown in theseexamples.

The lens aperture portions 618 include an opening and are fixed in alldirections and are defined at least in part by the flux guidingstructure. In this example, the plastic holds everything and the fluxguiding structure is embedded in the plastic. This approach results inmuch higher optical quality than for structures that have a movingmagnet or coil which are defining the boundary of the lens. The improvedoptical quality is due at least in part to the use of a single part todefine most or all of the tolerancing structures. In addition, opticalquality strongly relies on the accuracy of the lateral placement of thelens.

The bobbins 601 and 602 may be any structures that hold some or all ofthe other assembly elements in place. The coils 604 and 605 are anyelectrical coils that are constructed from wound wire. The coils 604 and605 may be constructed from, for example, wires wound around a portionof the bobbins, or be a chip-inductor fabricated coil. Other examples ofcoils are possible. The bobbins 601 and 602 are also moved to deform thelenses.

The magnets 606 are any permanent magnets that are polarized in anysuitable direction (e.g., a radial direction). The metal cylinder 612and outer case return structure 608 provide a flux guiding structurethat may be constructed from metals or other paramagnetic/magneticallysoft materials. This structure provides a flux path that acts to developan electromotive force that moves the coils. This flux guiding structuremay be created using insert molding techniques to name one approach.Other construction techniques can also be used. Thus, in this example,two independent coils are disposed in the same motor structure.

As mentioned, two independent coils 604 and 605 are used and, whenexcited, move the bobbins 601 and 602. Movement of the bobbins 601 and602 changes the shape and optical properties of the lenses at the top orbottom of the assembly. For example, the lenses 613 and 614 may bedefined by membranes and fixed plates and movement of the bobbins movesor displaces the filler material in the reservoirs as describedelsewhere herein. The two focus tunable lenses 613 and 614 are used toachieve an optical zoom effect. When the properties of one of the lenses613 or 614 are changed, then the other lens is adjusted, to focus theimage back onto the image sensor. Therefore, either of the individualtunable lenses can be used as autofocus and/or zoom lens. The fixed lens616 may be constructed of glass or plastic (or other suitable material)and is a divergent lens that is used to reduce the height of theassembly while still being able to illuminate the entire orsubstantially the entire sensor 650.

The central core 610 of the assembly 600 may be molded from plastic orother suitable material and be a fixture that provides support for themembranes or other system components. The central core 610 also definesthe location of all optical parts. For example, the central core 610defines the position of the fluid lens 614 and the fixed lens 616. Thecentral core 610 may also include all or part of the flux guidingstructure. The examples of FIGS. 6-8 include focusing lenses (lens 613)and a zoom lens (lens 614). A single motor structure is provided.

A plate (e.g., a glass plate, not shown) may be placed on top of thestructure. Thus, moving from top of the assembly downward, are a firstfluid lens system (i.e., the plate, a fluid reservoir, and membrane) andthe bobbin. A similar fluid lens system is disposed at the bottom ofassembly. As the coils 604 and 605 are excited, they move the bobbins601 and 602 and thereby adjust the optical properties of the system.

In this example, all fixturing and optical features are placed in thecentral core 610. Consequently, the number and complexity of the partsneeded to construct the assembly are minimized. In some examples, themain cost of the assembly is determined by the tolerance of the lensattach circles, apertures, corrected lenses, meniscus lens, otheroptical elements, and charge coupled device (CCD) sensor placement.

The examples shown with respect to FIGS. 6-8 include an inverted toplens. In this case, the top lens falls downward towards a sensor insteadof outward to the object. Upward force of the bobbin produces a downwardmovement of the lens and downward force produces a downward upwardmovement. This placement may yield space, cost, and magnetic effectadvantages. However, in other approaches the fluid reservoir facesupward towards the object. In this case, downward force of thecoil/bobbin produces an upward force on the lens (see, e.g., FIGS. 1Aand 1B).

As shown in FIG. 7, the outer portion of the assembly includes a ring622 that is an attachment point for the upper membrane of the upperlens. The ring 622 is disposed around the molded central core 610.

Referring now to FIG. 8, one example of a desired magnetic flux patterndirected by the flux guiding structure is shown. This structure is foran eight-magnet structure but can be changed to a four-magnet structureand the guiding structure would be suitably modified. The structurecould also be an axial magnetized structure with two plates. Cylinder612 could be bent and the inside portion (shown as a pole in thesefigures) moved inward. Moving the cylinder 612 away into the corners ofthe assembly allows for the use of insert molded connectors that couldprotrude from the bottom and make circuit connections.

The central core 610 contains most of the fixturing for the entireassembly and the outer clamping structure also serves as a flux guidingstructure. The central core 610 contains the bottom aperture. Fixturesfor corrective lens structure also are formed in the aperture. Thecentral core 610 may contain structures having inserts for pole piecemagnetic structure, high precision lens defining structures, wirerouting for voice coil lead out wire, insert molding for pins for out ofthe unit connection to circuit board, to name a few examples.

As shown in FIG. 8, flux lines 630 are formed and directed as shown. Theflux lines 630 are formed in a direction perpendicular to the z-axis(axial direction) and through the coil. This selected direction of theflux through the coil creates the desired (and maximizes) and availableelectromotive force needed to move the coil.

Referring now to FIG. 9, another example of a lens assembly isdescribed. A ring structure 902 (e.g., lip) defines the lens (e.g., themembrane 904, filler material, container, etc.). The ring structure 902affects the concentrity, flatness, parallelism, circularity, and surfacefinish of the membrane 904 and hence the optical properties of the lens.As with the examples discussed elsewhere herein, a flux guidingstructure 911 (the structure that guides the magnetic flux for themagnet) can be disposed in several different portions of the assemblydepending upon the desired outcome.

The assembly includes magnets 906, a first coil 908, a second coil 910,a cylindrical metal piece 912, a first bobbin 914 and a second bobbin918. The example of FIG. 9 operates in a similar way as the examples ofFIG. 6-8 except that one of the bobbins pushes upward while the otherbobbin pushes downward.

Referring now to FIG. 10, another example of a lens assembly 1000 isdescribed. This example has similar components that have been describedwith respect to the other examples herein. However, in this example, theflux guiding structure is utilized to define the lens shaping points.The example of FIG. 10 is a push-pull example where the membrane is bothpushed and pulled. An axially-polarized magnet is also used.

The assembly 1000 includes a flux guiding structure 1002, a magnet 1004,a coil 1006, and a top plate 1008. Indexing portion 1001 for an optionaltop cover is also provided, and membrane contact points 1010 for amembrane (not shown) are attached to the coil and the flux guidingstructure 1002. The operation of the assembly 1000 in moving themembrane is accomplished similarly to the examples of FIG. 1A and FIG.1B.

Referring now to FIGS. 11-16, a lens assembly 1100 is shown where themagnets are disposed at the corners of the flux guiding structure andpolarized in a radial direction. It will be appreciated that likenumbers in these figures refer to like elements (e.g., element 1116 inFIG. 11 is the same as element 1216 in FIG. 12 and so forth). Thisexample may reduce the overall height and/or diameter of the lens and beparticularly advantageous for applications that require a compact size.Additionally, this example is configurable to be coupled to imagesensors that are square (or rectangular) in cross-sectional shape.

The assembly 1100 includes a flux guiding structure 1102, a coil 1104, afirst magnet 1116, a second magnet 1118, a third magnet 1120, a fourthmagnet 1122, a bobbin 1106, flexible contacts 1128, and a reservoir 1108formed between a membrane 1110 and a plate 1112. A lens shaper sleeve1114 secures and defines the membrane 1110. A control element 1124 isused to control the current in the coil 1104. As mentioned previously,the control of element 1124 may be any actuator (e.g., a button, switch,knob or the like) manually adjusted by the user or a control program(e.g., an autofocus or zoom algorithm) that automatically adjusts thecurrent based upon, for example, properties of the received image.Different control elements can be provided to control different lenses.

The placement of the magnets at the corners of the assembly 1100 can bedone by using self-alignment of the magnetized magnets into the fluxguiding structure. This could also be done manually and magnetizedlater. The positioning of the magnets 1116, 1118, 1120, and 1122 at thecorners also provides more freedom for guiding the coil wires out of thehousing. In particular, it is possible to lead the wires out of thehousing on the side of the housing where no magnets are present. Slitscan be formed on the flat side of the housing to provide forventilation. To account for the movement of the coil, it is possible toeither connect the coil wire to a flexible spring contact, which isguided outside. Alternatively, in another example, the flexibility ofthe coil wire can be used to guide the wire to a fixed electricalcontact integrated into the housing of the lens, as seen in FIG. 16.

The shapes and configuration of components of any of the examples usedherein may also vary. In addition, in the examples of FIGS. 11-16 twooppositely polarized magnets can be used in each of the four cornerseliminating the need for at least some portions or even the vastmajority of the flux guiding structure. Anti-reflective (AR) coatingsmay be used on various structures of the assembly to reduce reflectionof light as it passes through the assembly.

Matching the bobbin shape to the fluid retaining structure may beperformed. Matching the shape benefits or reduces overall part size,improves shock performance, and reduces the total force needed to movethe structure.

By using a generally square-shaped bobbin, the axial displacement of thebobbin can be reduced to approximately 10% of the diameter of theoptical active lens portion defined by the lens shaper sleeve 1114. Thismay prove advantageous, when, for example, a lens deformation fromapproximately 10% of the lens radius to approximately 70% of the lensradius is required.

As shown, the first magnet 1116, second magnet 1118, third magnet 1120,and fourth magnet 1122 are in the corners of the assembly and the magnetis magnetized radially inward in the direction of arrows 1330. Also, asshown, the wires of coils are directly bonded to the flexible metalcontact connected to the plastic bobbin. This prevents a complexattachment of the wire after it is taken from the coil winding machine.

As mentioned, the voice coil motor structure provided has fourtriangular magnets in the corners. Such a design reduces height, width,and length of the assembly. Height is reduced because thick plates canbe avoided. The rectangular design allows matching to a sensor that isrectangular in shape. The lens shaper sleeve 1114 allows the reductionof the tolerances on the metal return structure, while maintainingaccuracy for the lens defining structure. This reduces the manufacturingcosts for the assembly. As shown in FIGS. 15-16, alternative coilconnection approaches can be employed utilizing the flexibility of thecoil wire to make electrical connections to an electrical conductor.

Referring now to FIGS. 17a and 17b , another example of a lens assembly1700 is described. The assembly includes and upper flexible lens 1702, abi-concave lens 1704, a lower flexible lens 1706, and an infrared (IR)filter 1708. A spacer 1710 separates different portions of the assembly1700.

The assembly 1700 can utilize any combination of individual tunablelenses (e.g., the lenses 1702 and 1706) consisting of at least one focustunable lens (e.g., for autofocus) or multiple lenses (e.g., with apossible zoom feature) in combination with other focus tunable lenses orother hard optical elements such as, for example, lenses, filters,diffusers, optical apertures and other examples. The stacking of lensesin a lens barrel may allow for simple assembly and cost reduction.Additionally, it is possible to guide the electric contact out of thelens barrel to the control integrated circuit by providing slots intothe outer lens barrel.

Referring now to FIGS. 18 and 19, one example of attachment of amembrane 1801 to a bobbin 1804 is described. In this example, the bobbinis the structure around which the coil is wound. A coil 1802 whenenergized moves thereby moving the bobbin 1804 due to the interaction ofthe coil current with a magnetic field created by the magnet 1806 asdirected by a flux guiding path. The membrane 1801 and a cap 1810 areposition at an angle indicated by identifier 1808.

By indenting, inserting, or otherwise providing the lens film capturesystem into the bobbin or molded magnet, a low profile assembly isprovided that may not retain air bubbles in the filling stage ofassembly. Further, the thin ring could be welded in place for a secureconnection. In some examples, there is an approximately 90 degreemeeting of the membrane and the cap on the liquid side of the lens.However, in the example shown in FIG. 18, the angle 1808 is closer toapproximately 180 degrees. Because there may be a 0.05 mm radius (as themembrane is positioned between the cap 1810 and the bobbin 1804), therewill still be a mild indentation (or some small angle between the capand the membrane) but the angle will be much smaller than in otherexamples.

A cap 1810 captures the membrane between the cap 1810 and the bobbin1804. Curves 1812 of the bobbin 1804 help avoid air bubble creation orformation in the reservoir. Although applicable to many types of lensassemblies, this example is particularly useful in lens assemblies thatutilize both the pushing and the pulling the membrane. The channelindicates a path that creates a path around the membrane. A holeindicates a pierce and is shown in FIG. 20B.

Referring now to FIGS. 20a, 20b , and 21 another example of a lensassembly is described. A membrane 2002 moves between position 2004 and2006 and a reservoir 2008 is formed between plate 2010 and the membrane2002. A coil 2012 is energized and the electromagnetic force createdpushes the coil 2012 against the membrane 2002. As especially shown inFIG. 20b , fluid is exchanged via a channel (e.g., hole) 2014 in themembrane 2002 from a first portion 2016 of the reservoir to a secondportion 2018 of the reservoir as movement occurs.

In the example of FIG. 20a and FIG. 20b , the reservoir is split betweendifferent portions. To connect the portions, the channel 2014 isdisposed in the membrane that affects movement of fluid around themembrane and between different portions of the reservoir. The channel2014 could be positioned in the membrane at any vertical location. Inalternative examples, independent membranes could be used instead ofproviding a channel. When using independent membranes, the reservoirlocation may be completely independent of the lens location. Because thefluid is being squeezed, for example, the reservoir can be in anylocation and squeezed in any orientation.

In the example of FIG. 21, as compared to the example of FIGS. 20a and20b , the reservoir is lowered. The motor structure is placed so thatthe coil 2012 is just under the tangent 2100 of the initial curve of themembrane. For example, the motor may be moved a half a millimeterdistance compared to the previous examples. Consequently, a structure isprovided that may be less than 10 mm in height. In this example, thebobbin shape is optimized to achieve a large lens deformation with smalltravel. Optimization of the bobbin structure is further discussedelsewhere in this specification.

Referring now to FIGS. 22A, 22B, 23A, 23B, and 23C, examples of lensassemblies are described where the voice coil motor is replaced by apiezo actuator. Instead of using a voice coil motor, these examplesdeform the lens using a traveling piezo actuator also called a piezomotor. By using the stick-slip effect, the small piezo movement can betranslated into a large travel distance.

The piezo actuator 2202 includes a slider 2204 with piezos 2206. A lensdefining sleeve 2208 fits into the slider 2204 and attaches to amembrane 2210 that covers a reservoir 2212. The reservoir 2212 is formedbetween the membrane 2210 and a glass cover 2211. A housing cover 2214fits over the entire assembly. Actuator of the piezo elements 2206 movesthe slider 2204 up and down impacting the membrane 2210 and changes theshape of the membrane 2210 via the impact. A cover (e.g., glass) isdisposed at the bottom of the assembly.

As shown especially in FIGS. 23A-C, piezo elements are fixed to theslider 2204. Alternatively, a single piezo ring can be used. The slider2204 travels up and down displacing liquid in the reservoir 2212 andthereby changes the shape of the lens.

These examples illustrate moving the slider 2204 along a vertical pathutilizing a piezo actuator elements 2206. As shown, the piezo actuatorelements 2206 are disposed in a ring shape, with individual stripsintegrated into the housing or on a moving component. An advantage ofutilizing a piezo-actuated force is that a relatively large force may beprovided by the piezo actuator elements 2206. In addition, these piezoactuators may only need power when moving the slider 2204 up and down.Once a specific focal length is reached, the slider 2204 and the piezoelements 2206 remain fixed in place without using any additional power.

Referring now to FIGS. 24-30, another example of a lens assembly 2400 isdescribed. A double coil 2402 presses a bobbin 2404 when excited. Thebobbin 2404 is cylindrically shaped and this shape reduces friction.Flexible contacts 2406 excite the coil. Magnets 2408 are positionedaround the coils 2402. Referring now to FIG. 30, the bobbin 2402 definesthe shape of the membrane 2410. A lens shaper sleeve 2412 attaches tothe membrane 2410. A bottom plate of cover 2416 seals a reservoir 2414formed between the membrane 2410 and the plate 2416. These examplesprovide a compact assembly since the axial movement of the lens definingstructure enables not only a displacement of the liquid under the bobbinbut also changes the distance between the lens defining structure andthe bottom plate of cover 2416. This results in an increased opticaleffect. In another example, the magnets may be polarized at an angle(and in radial or non-radial directions as desired).

Referring now again to FIGS. 25 and 26, an embodiment similar to FIG. 24is shown. Here, the upper coil is wound clockwise and the lower coil iswound counter clockwise. A wire jump 2413 is provided from upper coil tolower coil. An arched surface 2415 provides less friction and contactbetween the bobbin and the lens shaper (e.g., metal cylinder).Alternatively, ribs may be placed on the axis of movement. The membranehelps to keep the relative position of the bobbin perpendicular to thelens shaper due to the constant pressure in the reservoir. To achievecurrent flow in two directions, the wire turns around at a wire jumppoint.

Referring now especially to FIGS. 27, 28 and 29, flux pattern adjustmentbased upon the design of the lens assembly is described. FIG. 27 showsan example flux pattern where no cylindrical steel cylinder (e.g.,cylinder 612 in FIG. 6 that is shown as a pole in the cross-section) isused as a flux guiding structure. In the example of FIG. 6, two bobbinsmove in different directions. In both FIG. 6 and the present examples ofFIGS. 25-29, radially inward and outward flux is utilized. However, inthe examples of FIGS. 25-29 the bobbin moves in one same direction andthe coil winding changes direction so that the force acts in only onedirection.

FIG. 28 shows an example where a steel cylinder is used in the fluxguiding structure. FIG. 29 shows an example of the flux pattern wherethe magnets are polarized at an angle, which changes the magnetizationdirection. In all of these examples, the coil is wound onto the bobbin.In the example of FIG. 29, the coil has 250 windings, is energized to100 milli-amperes, and ceramic magnets are used.

Referring now to FIG. 31, another example of a lens assembly isdescribed. A lens defining point 3102 occurs where the membrane movesfrom a fully deformed position 3104 to a least deformed position 3105.The structure 3107 is beveled and presses against the membrane (thestructure is shown raised in FIG. 31 for purposes of clarity; it ispressed against the membrane). Beveling may result in various advantagesin the present approaches. For instance, if the contact point betweenthe membrane and the assembly is shaped whereby it has one or morebevels, it may provide a more measureable part. Multiple bevels may alsoreduce the error associated with the radius 3113 of the lens definingpoint 3102. The bevels can also have different shapes such as circles,ovals or squares.

As shown in FIG. 31, a first bevel 3106, matched to the membrane at alow position and high side, just above the position of the lens at fullheight is provided. A second bevel 1309 and third bevel 1311 are alsopresent. The lens may contact some or all of the second bevel 1309 andthe third bevel 1311 but not the first bevel 1306 as it is deformed.However, the lens defining point 3102 remains constant.

The lens defining point may actually be a radius (i.e., a length).Whether the lens defining point 3102 is a single point or an arc(length) this point can move or remain at a fixed position depending onthe shape of the lens shaper. Examples with single bevels may bemanufactured in metal while examples using multiple bevels may bemanufactured in plastic.

Referring now to FIG. 32, another example of a lens assembly 3200 isdescribed. The assembly 3200 includes a lens shaper (e.g., a plasticcomponent) 3202, a membrane 3204, a coil 3206, a metal pusher 3208, ahousing (e.g., a plastic housing) 3210, a metal housing 3212, and acover (e.g., a glass cover) 3214. The cover 3214 and membrane 3204define a reservoir 3216. In this example, magnets are not used.

The metal pusher 3208 and metal housing 3212 are constructed ofmagnetically permeable or soft magnetic materials and magnetized in apolarization such that when current flows through the coil 3206, themetal pusher 3208 moves upward or downward. A rectified response isachieved where the movement of the pusher is proportional to theamplitude of the current but independent of the direction of thecurrent. For example, at 0 amps, the device is in a rest position. At+0.1 amps and −0.1 amps it moves to the same closed position. The metalpusher 3208 is attached to the membrane 3204 by an adhesive, fastener,or some other arrangement. The properties of the remaining componentshave been discussed elsewhere herein and will not be discussed furtherhere.

In operation, the coil 3206 is fixed and when actuated the metal pusher3208 is drawn downward. Consequently, the filler material (e.g., opticalfluid) in the reservoir 3216 is displaced, the membrane 3204 changesshape, and the optical properties of the lens (membrane 3204, fillermaterial, plate 3212) are adjusted.

More specifically, when no current flows through the coil 3206, nomagnetic field exists and no magnetic field flows through the metalhousing 3212 (constructed of magnetically permeable or soft magneticmaterials). When a current flows through the coil 3206, a closedmagnetic flux builds up in the metal parts and this flux flows throughthe metal housing 3212 and the metal pusher 3208. The resultingattraction force between the metal pusher 3208 and the metal housing3212 causes a deformation of the membrane 3204 in the outer ring,resulting in a change of the membrane 3204 in the central, opticallyactive part.

One advantage of the example described with respect to FIG. 32 is thatno permanent magnet snap-in can occur since no permanent magnets areused. Generally speaking, when the magnets are positioned too closetogether, the attraction force between the magnet and metal is largerthan the retention force of the membrane and the elastic membrane thatprevent the magnet and metal from coming together. Once this occurs,“snap-in” happens, and the magnet and metal can generally do no more (bythemselves) to separate themselves when the current is removed, meaningthat the device is locked in a fixed position. The configuration of FIG.32 prevents snap-in from occurring and, if it does occur, allows snap-into be easily reversed.

As shown, no permanent magnets are required making this approachinexpensive to produce. The coil 3206 is fixed in the housing and doesnot move. This makes it shock resistant and easy to make electricalconnections with internal and external components or devices.Additionally, the lens shaper 3202 is fixed, providing a high opticalquality.

Referring now to FIG. 33, another example of a lens assembly 3300 isdescribed. The assembly 3300 includes a lens shaper (e.g., a plasticcomponent that is not magnetized) 3302, a membrane 3304, a coil 3306, ametal pusher 3308, a magnet 3310, a metal housing 3312, and a cover(e.g., a glass cover) 3314. The cover 3314 and membrane 3304 define areservoir 3316. An elastic rubber seal 3318 is positioned between themetal pusher 3308 and the coil 3306. The seal 3318 is used as a sealingelement as well as for preventing “snap-in.”

In this example, a permanent magnet 3310 is used that creates a constantflux in the metal housing 3312 and the metal pusher 3308. This causes apermanent attraction of the metal pusher 3308 and the metal housing3312.

The metal pusher 3308 is magnetized in a polarization pattern such thatwhen current flows through the coil 3306 (and depending upon thedirection of the current) and due to the magnetic field created by themagnet 3310, the metal pusher 3308 moves upward or downward. The metalpusher 3308 is attached to the membrane 3304 by an adhesive, fastener,or some other arrangement. The properties of the remaining componentshave been discussed elsewhere herein and will not be discussed furtherhere.

In operation, the coil 3306 is fixed and when actuated the metal pusher3308 is moved. Consequently, the filler material (e.g., optical fluid)in the reservoir 3316 is displaced, the membrane 3304 changes shape, andthe optical properties of the lens (membrane 3304, reservoir 3316, plate3312) are adjusted.

More specifically, the initial distance between the metal housing 3312and the metal pusher 3308 is defined by the elastic rubber seal 3318that works against the attraction forces of the metal pusher 3308 andthe magnet 3310. When a current flows through the coil 3306, acontrollable field is superimposed onto the DC field. Depending on thecurrent direction, the attraction between the metal pusher 3308 and themagnet 3310 increases or decreases. To avoid snap in, the elastic rubberseal 3318 is adjusted such that the force required to compress therubber increases more than the attraction force between the metal pusher3308 and the magnet 3310, when the distance between the metal pusher3308 and the magnet 3310 decrease.

As shown, no moving coil and no problem with lead out wires exists. Thelens can be tuned in both directions, meaning that the force on themetal pusher 3308 can be increased or decreased with a control current.The rubber used in the elastic rubber seal 3318 is chosen to be hardenough to prevent snap in from occurring. Snap in can also be preventedby putting non-magnetic elements in the metal at distances that preventsnap in.

Referring now to FIG. 34, another example of a lens assembly 3400 isdescribed. The assembly 3400 includes a membrane 3404, a coil 3406, ametal pusher 3408, a magnet 3410, a metal housing 3412, and a cover(e.g., a glass cover) 3414. The cover 3414 and membrane 3404 define areservoir 3416. An elastic rubber seal 3418 is positioned between themetal pusher 3308 and the coil 3406. In this example, the metal pusher3408 defines the shape of the membrane 3404. Compared to the examples ofFIGS. 32 and 33, no lens shaper is used, providing a smaller formfactor. The elastic rubber seal 3418 can be constructed such that themetal pusher 3408 remains well centered and snap in is prevented. Inthis example, the position and shape of the lens changes as current isapplied.

The metal pusher 3408 is magnetized in a polarization such that whencurrent flows through the coil 3406 (and depending upon the direction ofthe current) and due to the magnetic field created by the magnet 3410,the metal pusher moves upward or downward. The metal pusher 3408 isattached to the membrane 3404 by an adhesive, fastener, or some otherarrangement.

In operation, the coil 3406 is fixed and when actuated the metal pusher3408 is moved. Consequently, the filler material (e.g., optical fluid)in the reservoir 3416 is displaced, the membrane 3404 changes shape, andthe optical properties of the lens (membrane 3404, reservoir 3416, plate3412) are adjusted.

Referring now to FIG. 35, another example of a lens assembly 3500 isdescribed. The assembly 3500 includes a lens shaper (e.g., a metalcomponent) 3502, a membrane 3504, a coil 3506, a metal housing 3512, anda cover (e.g., a glass cover) 3514. The cover 3514 and membrane 3504define a reservoir 3516. In this example, magnets and a metal pusher arenot used. An elastic seal 3518 is positioned between the metal lensshaper 3502 and the coil 3506. The metal lens shaper 3502 is attached toand defines the membrane 3504. Compared to the example of FIG. 32, nolens shaper is used, providing a smaller form factor. Additionally, theelastic rubber seal 3518 can be constructed such that the metal pusher3508 remains well centered and snap in is prevented. In this example,the position and shape of the lens changes as current is applied.

The metal lens shaper 3502 is magnetized in a polarization pattern suchthat when current flows through the coil 3506, the metal lens shaper3502 moves. The metal lens shaper 3502 is attached to the membrane 3504by an adhesive, fastener, or some other arrangement. The properties ofthe remaining components have been discussed elsewhere herein and willnot be discussed further here.

In operation, the coil 3506 is fixed and when actuated the metal lensshaper 3502 is drawn downward. Consequently, the filler material (e.g.,optical fluid) in the reservoir 3516 is displaced, the membrane 3504changes shape, and the optical properties of the lens (membrane 3504,reservoir 3516, plate 3512) are adjusted.

Referring now to FIG. 36, another example of a lens assembly 3600 isdescribed. The assembly 3600 includes a lens shaper (e.g., a metalcomponent) 3602, a membrane 3604, a coil 3606, a metal housing 3612, anda cover (e.g., a glass cover) 3614. The cover 3614 and membrane 3604define a reservoir 3616. In this example, magnets and a metal pusher arenot used and the coil 3606 is on the same side of the membrane 3604 asthe metal lens shaper 3602. An elastic seal 3618 is positioned betweenthe metal lens shaper 3602 and the coil 3606. The lens shaper 3602 isattached to and defines the membrane 3604. To minimize height, the metallens shaper 3602 is disposed on the side of the flexible membrane 3604.The membrane 3604 can be attached to the metal housing 3612 for easysealing of the liquid in the lens, or the elastic rubber seal 3618 canbe used as sealing material. In this example, the position and shape ofthe lens changes as current is applied.

The metal lens shaper 3602 is magnetized in a polarization such thatwhen current flows through the coil 3606, the metal lens shaper 3602moves. Amplitude of the current determines movement of the lens shaper3602. The metal lens shaper 3602 and the coil 3606 are attached to themembrane 3604 by an adhesive, fastener, or some other arrangement. Theproperties of the remaining components have been discussed elsewhereherein and will not be discussed further here.

In operation, the coil 3606 is not-fixed as in the examples of FIGS.32-35 but moves with the lens shaper 3602. When the coil 3603 isactuated, the metal lens shaper 3602 is drawn downward. Consequently,the filler material (e.g., optical fluid) in the reservoir 3616 isdisplaced, the membrane 3604 changes shape, and the optical propertiesof the lens (membrane 3604, reservoir 3616, plate 3612) are adjusted.

As mentioned, the present approaches provide various advantages.Further, the wear provided by any of the approaches described herein issuperior as compared to that of previous systems. Since many lensassemblies are often required to provide 100,000 cycles of operation tomeet industrial or government requirements, a plastic construction formany of the assembly components would likely ensure the assemblycomponents so-constructed would not fail due to the durability ofplastic. However, other materials may also be used.

In some push-only lenses as described herein, the coil would not need tobe in contact continually with the lens. The voice coil could be woundon a bobbin or encapsulated so that it could float and occasionally rubin the motor gap. Tolerancing can be configured to enable thebobbin/coating to rub on the motor and not the coils.

The closeness of coil to motor may help to minimize shock problemscreated when the assembly is bumped, moved, or jarred. An advantage ofthese approaches is that proximity of the coil to the motor wall mayallow for assembly to function without disposable fixtures.

Using the lens defining structure as a flux guiding structure allowsmaximizing the amount of metal and magnet that can be used and thusmaximizing the force generated by the moving coil and, thus, minimizingthe power consumption. Further, using magnetic members as one part ofthe housing of the lens assembly allows an easy assembly without therequirement for glues, making an assembly much easier and more costefficient.

A moving coil as used in the approaches described herein preventssticking of magnets to metallic structures. If a moving permanent magnetwere connected to the deformable membrane and a strong mechanic shockhappens, the magnet could permanently stick to the metal structure (snapin), resulting in a failure of the lens. This problem is avoided by theapproaches described herein with the use of moving coils.

For a zoom module two tunable lenses are employed and allow for theindependent control of both lenses. This is not the case when multiple,moving magnets are used instead of moving coils.

Further, the membrane deformation can be easily controlled by varyingthe current flowing through the coil since the lens membrane acts as aspring. In addition and as mentioned, the manufacturing process is verysimple, especially in the case where a deformation of the lens from aflat shape to a balloon shape is assumed.

Referring now collectively to FIGS. 37A-37T, another example of a lensassembly 3700 is described. The lens assembly 3700 includes a topmembrane 3702, a bottom membrane 3703, a core subassembly 3704, ahousing base subassembly 3706, a final cover subassembly 3708, a cushion3710 (to provide cushioning of the elements in the assembly 3700 andwhich can be constructed of any suitable flexible material such assilicon gel), a top motor subassembly 3712, and a bottom motorsubassembly 3714. The assembly 3700 is configured to achieve one exampleof an optimal tolerance structure. Some or all of the optical elementsin the assembly 3700 are referenced or indexed through a minimum numberof additional or intervening elements.

As shown in FIG. 37K, FIG. 37L, and FIG. 37T, the top and bottommembranes 3702 and 3703 are similar to the other membranes describedherein. In many of these examples, the membranes 3702 and 3703 are atleast partially permeable to air. When fully deformed, the membrane 3702has been moved in an upward direction and when fully deformed, themembrane 3703 has been moved in a downward direction. Othercharacteristics of the membranes have been discussed previously hereinand will not be discussed further here.

As shown especially in FIG. 37B and FIG. 37J, the core subassembly 3704includes a top lens cover 3720 (e.g., constructed from glass or someother transparent material), a top lens aperture portion 3722 (includingan aperture or opening 3723), a central lens piece 3724, a bottom lensaperture portion 3726 (including an aperture or opening 3727), and abottom glass cover 3728. As shown especially in FIG. 37C, the topmembrane 3702 fits over the core subassembly 3704 and may be attached byan adhesive (e.g., glue) or some fastener arrangement.

As shown in FIG. 37S, the central lens piece 3724 includes a correctivelens 3780 (e.g., with a diameter of approximately 3 mm in one example),an aperture retaining feature 3782 (for retaining and holding one of theaperture portions), a retaining feature 3783 (for retaining a cover), avent 3784 (for releasing air from the inner portion of the central lenspiece 3724, automation handling points 3785 (for indexing/alignment ofthe assembly for, example, attachment to other parts), a reservoir 3785(with a cover on the bottom of reservoir), and a membrane attachmentsurface 3786. The aperture portions and covers are applied to thecentral lens piece 3724 to form the core subassembly 3704. It will beunder stood that FIG. 37S shows only one side of the central lens piece3724 and that the same features are also present on the bottom portionof the central lens piece 3724 (for the bottom fluid tunable lens).

The center lens piece 3724 may be formed as part of the outer housingwhich allows for lower part count, low cost, and higher tolerances. Asmentioned, this structure contains two reservoirs for each of the twofluid tunable lenses.

Also as mentioned, indexing features can be used (e.g., four holes withtwo on each side to allow for ease of assembly). Vent holes are alsoprovided to allow air to escape during vacuum assembly process and toprevent trapped humid air from condensing when temperatures are colder.The bottom surface of the central lens piece attaches to the bottom lensshaper 3762 to define optical tolerances for the bottom membrane 3703.

The top lens aperture portion 3722 and the bottom lens aperture portion3726 are constructed from a material such as Polyethylene terephthalate(PET) and have apertures 3723 and 3727 extending through respectively.The material is colored black in many of these approaches.

As shown in FIG. 37D and FIG. 37N, the bottom motor subassembly 3714includes a coil 3730, a bobbin 3731, magnets 3732, and a flux guidingstructure 3734. As shown in FIG. 37E and FIG. 37M, the top motorsubassembly includes a coil 3740, a bobbin 3741, magnets 3742, and aflux guiding structure 3744. To minimize coil travel, the bobbins 3731and 3741 surround the optical parts of the assembly 3700.

As shown, the motors may include an L-shaped (in the cross section)octagonal flux guiding structures 3734 and 3744. This configurationcreates a magnetic structure for the assembly that is both compact andprovides for a higher operating point of the magnet to allow for usageof higher energy product magnets even at high temperatures.

As shown in FIG. 37F and FIG. 371, the final cover subassembly 3708includes a protective cover 3750 and a lens shaper 3752. As shown inFIGS. 37G and 37H, the housing base subassembly 3706 includes a meniscuslens 3760 and a bottom lens shaper 3762.

The top lens shaper 3752 includes various features. For example, forcealignment ribs 3753 force the top motor structure into place and alignthe top plate to the rest of the structure. The ribs also provide aforce to push the motor structure into the gel cushion. This featureminimizes the stress of the top cover and helps to maintain goodtolerances of lens shaper. The lens forming feature also providesbarometric relief using vents 3754. Notches 3755 provide coil alignmentfeature with other portions of the assembly. The inner diameter of thebobbin aligns with an outer diameter 3756 of the lens shaper 3752. Thelens shaper 3752 includes a cover glass alignment feature (e.g., in theform of a ring). An undercut is also provided to support gluing of thelens shaper 3752 to the membrane. These features may be included in thebottom lens shaper 3762 as well.

In many of these examples, the configuration (e.g., shape anddimensions) of the bobbin structure is optimized. In this respect and asshown in FIG. 37O, the bobbin 3741 is somewhat shaped (in the crosssection) like a “T.” The shape of the bobbin is optimized according tovarious parameters. First, the force displacement of the coil/bobbin isrequired to be great enough to move the bobbin 3741 with the coil 3740and displace enough fluid for full deformation of the lens. In oneexample, the coil 3740 is arranged/placed in a high magnetic field areaas the membrane 3702 is displaced. Another parameter that may beoptimized is the location where the inner diameter of the bobbin 3741meets the outer diameter of the lens shaper 3752.

If the dimensions of the bobbin 3741 are too small, for example, if thevertical portion of the “T” is too small, inadequate force is providedto move the bobbin 3741 by the coil 3740. If the horizontal portion ofthe “T” is too small, the membrane may become overstretched because toomuch bobbin travel is required to displace enough liquid. In anotherexample, if the vertical dimensions (i.e., the vertical portion of the“T”) of the bobbin are too long, too high of a fluid displacement occursin the x-direction of the reservoir. On the other hand if the horizontaldirection (i.e., the horizontal portion of the “T”) of the bobbin is toolarge, too much force is required to displace the liquid. It isdesirable to provide medium displacement conditions (somewhere midwaybetween low displacement and high displacement) by altering thehorizontal and vertical dimensions of the bobbin accordingly.

Referring now to FIG. 37P and FIG. 37Q, an example of an optimizedT-shape is shown for the bobbin 3741 as it holds the coil 3740. It willbe appreciated that as used herein “T-shaped” may refer to a structurethat is somewhat T-shaped (even in the shape of an L) rather thanexactly T-shaped). In this example, the shape of the bobbin is optimizedsuch that in the deformed state, an S-like curve of the membrane 3702 isformed as the membrane 3702 is moved from a non-deformed condition (FIG.37P) to a fully deformed condition (FIG. 37Q). As the membrane 3702 ismoved, it is altered into the “S” shape of FIG. 37Q, which in someexamples, has been found to be an optimal shape.

The system of FIG. 37 operates in a similar way to some of the otherexamples described herein. That is, the coils associated with each lensare excited by current. This current interacts with a magnetic fluxgenerated by a permanent magnet guided by a flux guiding structureassociated with each fluid tunable lens. The interaction between thecurrent and the magnetic flux creates an electromotive force that movesthe corresponding coil. The movement of the coils act to push theirassociated membranes and thereby moves the filler material (e.g., fluid)within the reservoirs creating a pressure and thereby deforming theshape of the membrane and overall lens. Consequently, the opticalproperties of the lens are altered as required.

The square (or at least rectangular) cross-sectional shape of the bobbin3741 also provides for preferred force versus displacementcharacteristics. The coil placement within the bobbin allows forpreferred force displacement in a push only structure. The coilplacement is arranged so that the coil hits the maximum magnetic flux atpoint of maximum displacement. The ribs on top of the coil providerouting features of wires 3749 (see FIG. 37R). The bobbin 3741 is alsoconfigured so that wires from the coil can not be crimped and damaged asthe coil and bobbin move.

The shape of the bobbin and the size of the horizontal portion of the“T” gives the distance between the bobbin and fluid structure so thatthe membrane achieves an S-shaped displacement between the bobbin andcoil. A membrane that becomes bubble-shaped in a fully deformed state isundesirable as then the membrane may rub against/impact otherstructures. This approach provides a compact structure and the forcedisplacement curve is changed by changing the surface area of theportion bobbin that makes contact with the membrane/fluid reservoir.Optimal configuration of the surface area of the bobbin with respect tothe surface area of the fluid lens creates leverage so differentdisplacements are obtained from the lens. When the bobbin is positionedradially outward from the centrally located optical structure, moresurface area on the bobbin is created and an effective transformationratio is achieved.

All lenses in the lens stack are indexed/can be easily referenced andtheir position determined in this example. This allows for extremely lowtolerances on the parts used. In this regard, the bottom lens shaper3762 extends further up the assembly than the top lens shaper extendsdownward. This part contains the lens alignment, meniscus lens, imagesensor and reference surfaces to all lenses and lens defining parts. Thewelding features (the poles shown on the top of the assembly of FIG.37A) allow for heat melt fixturing as well as for alignment and easyassembly. The wire slot is carefully shaped so that wire can not bebroken and can be brought to a location that is solderable.

Various approaches can be used to apply anti-reflective coatings to theexisting interfaces (e.g., where air interfaces with a membrane) in theassembly 3700. In one example, a master sheet can be used to replicatethe nanostructure and transfer this structure onto the membrane. Anuncured polymer is coated onto the nanostructured master sheet. Themaster sheet is placed onto the stretched membrane. The polymer is cured(e.g., using UV or a heat cure). The master sheet is peeled off of theprestretched membrane, which has the nanostructured polymer layerattached. Nanoparticles are applied onto the membrane by inkjet printingor spray coating. Nanostructures are hot embossed or plasma etched ontothe membrane, which may be prestretched.

Various approaches can be used to apply the top membrane to thecore/aperture subassembly. The core with apertures subassembly isinserted into vacuum chamber to avoid air bubbles trapped in the fluid.Air bubbles can degrade the optical quality. Glue is applied to topattachment surface. Fluid is dispensed into the top liquid reservoir.The membrane is placed on top surface and the glue is cured. Theremaining air diffuses through the semi-permeable membrane.

The core assembly can be assembled using the following procedure. Thecore assembly with apertures subassembly is inserted into a vacuumchamber (e.g., 10 mbar to remove 99% of air or 100 mbar to remove 90% ofthe air). Glue is applied to the top attachment surface. Fluid isdispensed in the top liquid container (reservoir). A membrane is placedon the top surface and the glue is cured. UV cement may also be used fortime savings and to provide stability.

The central lens portion is then reversed (i.e., flipped over). Glue isapplied to the bottom attachment surface. Fluid is dispensed into thebottom liquid container (reservoir). A membrane is placed on the bottomsurface. The glue is cured. The core is removed from vacuum chamber andsingulation of the part may be performed (e.g., a hot knife can beused).

Other portions of the assembly 3700 of FIG. 37 may be assembled in avariety of different ways. The core with apertures assembly may beassembled by applying the top lens aperture to the top side of thecentral lens piece (CLP) The top lens cover is added to top side of CLP.Glue is applied into groove between the aperture and CLP. A fixture isused to secure glass during operation. The CLP is flipped (i.e.,reversed) and the bottom lens aperture is applied to the bottom side ofthe CLP. The bottom lens cover is attached to the bottom side of theCLP. Glue is applied into groove between the aperture and the CLP andthe glue is cured under ultraviolet radiation. A thicker glue may beused to avoid flow problems.

Pre-stretching of the membranes may be used to provide better opticalquality. Prestretching may prevent wrinkling of the lens, reducegravitational effects on the lens shape, and allow for faster responsesof the lens of electrical application to the coil.

The housing base can be assembled by inserting the meniscus lens intothe bottom lens shaper. Glue is applied into groove between the meniscuslens and the bottom lens shaper and the glue is cured.

The bottom motor subassembly can be assembled by inserting the bottomflux guiding structure in the bottom lens shaper. The bottom magnets areinserted onto the bottom flux guiding structure. Glue is applied intogaps between the magnets and cement curing temperature is lowered. Thebottom coil is inserted onto the magnets by inserting/threading thewires through the bottom lens shaper and attaching the wires to anyrelating pins (e.g., on an external device).

The top motor subassembly is assembled by inserting the top magnets intothe top flux guiding structure (e.g., into the corners and, ifnecessary, cement is applied). The top coil is inserted onto the magnetsby inserting/threading the wires through the top flux guiding structure.

The final cover subassembly may be assembled by placing the topprotection plate onto the top lens shaper. Glue is applied into gapbetween top protection plate and the top lens shaper and the glue iscured.

The core of the assembly is assembled by inserting the core subassemblyinto the bottom motor subassembly. The cushion is applied on coresubassembly. The cushion can be made from silicon rubber of anappropriate hardness and flexibility. The cushion can be delivered in aroll for use in the assembly process. The flaps of the cushion areapplied to cover the central lens. The top motor is inserted and thefinal cover is placed onto the alignment pins. A hot melt is used withthe alignment pins with the final cover. The wires from the coil aresoldered to the appropriate pins (e.g., of an external device).

It will be appreciated that the manufacturing/assembly approachesdescribed above are examples only and may be changed/modified as neededto suit the particular requirements of a user or specific design. Forexample, the materials, processes used, tools used, dimensions, actionsperformed, and the order of the steps performed can be altered/changedwith these approaches. In addition, other examples of approaches forassembling/manufacturing all or some of the above-mentioned elements arepossible.

Referring now to FIGS. 38A-F, one example of a bobbin structure that hasits dimensions and configuration optimized according to the principlesdescribed herein is described. Now referring specifically to FIG. 38A,the inner diameter of a bobbin 3802 is matched to the outer diameter ofthe lens defining structure 3804. It has been found that if the bobbin3802 has a 1% tolerance and lens defining structure 3804 has a toleranceof 1%, the difference between the two elements is barely larger than 2%of the radius of the assembly. A coil 3806 is positioned inward of themagnet 3808.

For the top motor, the bobbin 3802 is optimally placed when the coil3806 just reaches the end of the magnet 3808 indicated by position 3803.The top dimension of the coil 3806 is as large as the assembly willallow. In some examples, this extends to the top of the magnet 3808while in other examples it does not.

A limited space exists between the lens defining structure 3804 and theouter diameter of the lens assembly. Both the coil 3806 and the magnet3808 fit into this space. In some examples, the optimum amount of coil3806 from a force perspective is approximately 0.5 mm. Larger coilwidths produce the same amount of force but the operating point of themagnet 3808 will be reduced as the magnet gets smaller. Winding widthsof less than approximately 0.5 mm have been found to produce less forcein these approaches.

Referring now to FIG. 38B, a membrane 3810 is shown in the un-deformedposition. As shown in FIG. 38C, the membrane 3810 is shown in the fullydeformed condition.

Referring now to FIG. 38D, if the portion 3805 (the horizontal portionof the T) is too large, the membrane 3810 will stretch as a straightline and extra force will be required to deform the membrane 3810.Referring now to FIG. 38F, if the portion 3805 is too small, themembrane 3810 will tend deform inward and force will be wasted deformingthe reservoir portion of the membrane 3810. In one example as shown inFIG. 38E of an optimum configuration for the portion 3805 (and thebobbin 3802), deformation of the membrane 3810 will tend to assume anS-like shape.

Referring now collectively to FIGS. 39A-39E, another example of a lensassembly 3900 is described. In this example, the bottom flexible lenspoints to an object and not the sensor as shown in the examples of FIG.37. The lens assembly 3900 includes a top membrane 3902, a bottommembrane 3903, a first core subassembly 3904, a second core subassembly3905, a housing base subassembly 3906, a final cover subassembly 3908, atop motor subassembly 3912, a bottom motor subassembly 3713, a firstaperture portion 3922, a second aperture portion 3923, a top fixed lens3940 (e.g., a corrective lens), a bottom fixed lens 3941 (e.g., ameniscus lens), a first plate 3943, a second plate 3944, a firstreservoir 3945, and a second reservoir 3946. The plate and membranecombinations define the shape of the respective reservoirs.Consequently, the assembly 3900 includes two tunable (e.g., fluidtunable) lenses and two fixed lenses. The assembly 3900 can be operatedto provide zoom, autofocus, or other optical functions.

In this example, two core subassemblies 3904 and 3905 are provided andeach of these subassemblies serves one liquid reservoir (chamber) 3945and 3946. Consequently, production yield problems are reduced, since thereservoirs (containers) can be constructed independently. Additionally,no side actions (i.e., the process in injection molding that requires apart of the tool to come from/positioned/used the side, that allows formaking a structure that cannot be created by a two dimensional process)are required to provide the barometric relieve holes in the lenses. Thetop lens shaper and bottom fixed lens 3941 (e.g., a meniscus lens) areboth fixed using, for example, heat melt.

As shown in FIG. 39B, the top motor subassembly 3912 includes a top coil3930 top magnets 3931, and a top bobbin 3950. The bottom motorsubassembly 3913 includes a bottom coil 3932, bottom magnets 3933, and abottom bobbin 3951. A top lens shaper 3934 defines the lens 3902. Abottom lens shaper 3936 defines the bottom lens 3903. The operation ofthe assembly 3900 to adjust the shape of membranes 3902 and 3903 hasbeen described previously and will not be repeated here.

As shown in FIG. 39C, coil wires 3938 exit through the bottom lensshaper 3936. Threading of the wires 3938 is used to remove the wires3938 from the assembly 3900 during the manufacturing process.

As shown in FIG. 39D, the first aperture portion 3922 is colored blackto provide absorptive properties. A bottom cushion 3917 is used to fixthe bottom motor and to compensate tolerances. Heat welding 3919 may beused similar to the final cover assembly. As shown in FIG. 39E, vents3937 may be used to provide barometric relief for the assembly 3900.

Referring now to FIGS. 40A-C, another example of a lens assembly 4000 isdescribed. The lens assembly 4000 includes a top membrane 4002, a coresubassembly 4004, a housing base subassembly 4006, a final coversubassembly 4008, a motor subassembly 4012, a first aperture portion4022 (e.g., colored black to provide absorptive properties), a secondaperture portion 4023 (e.g., colored black to provide non-reflectiveproperties), a top fixed lens (e.g., a corrective lens) 4041, a middlefixed lens 4040 (e.g., a corrective lens), a bottom fixed lens 4042(e.g., a meniscus lens), a cushion 4010 (to provide cushioning of theelements in the assembly 4000 and which can be constructed of anysuitable flexible material such as rubber), a top cover 4044 (e.g.,constructed of glass), a top lens shaper 4045, a plate 4046, and areservoir 4047. The plate and membrane combination defines the shape ofthe reservoir 4047. The motor subassembly 4012 includes a bobbin 4050, acoil 4051, and magnets 4052. The operation of the assembly 4000 inadjusting the shape of membrane 4002 has been described previously andwill not be repeated here. In addition, the many of the elements presentin FIG. 40 have already been discussed herein (e.g., with respect to theexamples of FIGS. 37 and 39) and their composition and functionalitywill not be discussed further here.

The assembly 4000 includes one fluid tunable lens and three fixedlenses. Barometric relief may be provided via chamfers 4053 in the fixedlenses. In this example, the fixed lenses 4040, 4041, and 4042 may bepress fit into the assembly 4000. In one example, the tunable lens maybe operated as a part of an autofocus module.

Referring now to FIGS. 41a and 41b , another example of lens shaping isdescribed. A first membrane 4102 is attached at an attachment point(4104 in FIGS. 41a and 4106 in FIG. 41b ). A second attachment point 418is also shown in FIG. 41A. The assembly also includes a support 4108 anda lens shaper 4110. FIG. 41a shows the lens in a convex shape and FIG.41b shows the lens in a concave shape. A first theoretical line 4136 anda second theoretical line 4138 are also shown in FIG. 41A. The linesdefine a connection angle 4135.

To achieve a precise lens that can be tuned in a convex and concavestate while keeping a high quality shape, the lens shaper 4110 is formedsuch that the membrane attach point is defined by a single lens shaper.To avoid the use of glue, the support 4108 is placed at a first anglealpha between the support 4108 and the lens shaper and this angle alphais larger than the curvature of the membrane in the concave position(indicated by the angle beta). In one advantage of these approaches, nogluing is needed as between the lens shaper and the support and, at thesame time, the lens attachment point is well defined.

As shown in FIG. 41A, the deformable lens defines at least by the firstmembrane 4102 and a filler material. The deformable lens is in contactwith the lens shaper 4110 at a contact region, and not in contact withthe lens shaper at a non-contact region. The first detachment point 4104is defined as the interface between the contact region and thenon-contact region. The first detachment point 4104 defines a diameterof the deformable lens. The shape of the lens shaper 4110 allows for alocation of the first detachment point 4104 to vary with deformation ofthe deformable lens, such that the diameter of the deformable lensvaries with the location of the first detachment point 4104. In someexamples, an axial position of the detachment point 4104 varies with thedeformation of the deformable lens.

In others of these examples, the optical apparatus further includes afirst support member 4108; a second membrane (or membrane portion orsection) 4132 which is a subset of the first membrane that is in contactwith the lens shaper 4110 at the contact region; a third membrane (ormembrane portion or section) 4140 which is connected with an end of thesecond membrane 4132 and the first support member 4108; a seconddetachment point 4138 which is located at a connection point between thesecond membrane 4132 and the third membrane 4140. The first theoreticalline 4136 is tangent to the lens shaper 4140 at the first detachmentpoint 4140 and the second theoretical line 4134 is tangent to the lensshaper 4110 at the second detachment point 4138. The connection angle4135 is defined as an angle between the first theoretical line 4136 andthe second theoretical line 4134 and is a supplementary angle to anangle that contains a majority of the lens shaper 4110. A connectionangle positive sense is defined as being in a direction from the secondtheoretical line 4134 through the first theoretical line 4136 andtowards the lens shaper 4110 wherein the connection angle 4135 does notspan across the lens shaper 4110. The absolute value of the connectionangle 4135 is between 0 and 180 degrees.

In some examples, only frictional forces are used to hold the firstmembrane 4102 to the lens shaper.

In still other examples, the apparatus further includes a second lensshaper, and a third lens shaper. Deformation of the deformable lenscauses the lens shaper to shift from the second lens shaper to the thirdlens shaper and changes the diameter of the deformable lens.

In still other examples, the optical apparatus further includes a secondlens shaper and a third lens shaper. Deformation of the deformable lenscauses the detachment point to shift from the second lens shaper to thethird lens shaper and changes an axial position of the deformable lens.

Referring now to FIGS. 42A-D, it will be appreciated that theabove-described approaches can be used in conjunction with two variablelens structures 4202 and 4204. As shown in these examples, the bottomand top lens can expand into either concave or convex shapes and can beused in the various combinations shown and according to the variousapproaches described herein.

Referring now to FIG. 43, a coil 4302 moves from a first position 4304to a second position 4306. If the coil 4302 were to move below a plane4308 of a magnet 4310, the flux normal to the current in the coil thatproduces the moving force would rapidly decrease or be eliminated. Inthe present example, in the most deformed state the coil 4302 is alignedto the bottom surface of the magnet 4310. As shown in FIG. 43, a fluxplot is shown where the coil 4302 is in the most deformed position. Asshown, the bottom of the coil 4302 is aligned with the bottom of themagnet 4310.

The approaches described herein can be used with membranes that arethicker than used in previous systems. In some examples, membraneshaving a thickness of 10-50 um and a stiffness (Young's modulus) of 0.5MPa are used. Other examples are possible.

Relatively thick membranes offer several advantages. For example,thicker membranes allow easier processing of the membrane in productionand their shape is easier to maintain. Additionally, the membrane isless prone to gravitational effects (when the lens is in a verticalposition) so that larger lenses are possible that still provide goodoptical quality. Also, a thicker membrane is less likely to rupture whenhandled or when a shock occurs. The membrane thickness is easier tocontrol (1 um thickness variation is only 1% for a 100 um thickmembrane, but 10% for a 10 um thick membrane) and results in an improvedoptical quality. Additionally, thicker membranes make it easier tointegrate an AR coating into a thicker membrane.

Referring now to FIG. 44, one example of an approach for adjusting theoptical characteristics of one or more lenses is described. At step4402, conversion of electrical energy to mechanical energy occurs. Theconversion of electrical energy to mechanical energy may be accomplishedby using any electrical-to-mechanical actuation device such as apiezoelectric motor, a magnetostrictive motor, a stepper motor, or avoice coil motor to name a few examples. The piezoelectric motor may bea quasi-static, ultrasonic, stepping, inertial, standing wave,travelling wave, bidirectional, or unidirectional piezoelectric motor toname a few examples. Such motors are of the models typicallymanufactured by Williams and Brown, Konico Minolta, New Focus,Lavrinenko, Bacnsiavichus, Nanomotion, Physik Instrumente, or New Scalecorporations to name a few examples of piezoelectric motormanufacturers.

In some of the examples described herein, the motor is described asbeing a piezoelectric motor. However, it will be appreciated that themotor may be any type of suitable electrical-to-mechanical actuationdevice such as a electroactive polymer motor, magnetostrictive motor, avoice coil motor, or a stepper motor. Other examples of motors ordevices are possible.

At step 4404, the mechanical force (produced at step 4402) is convertedto a pressure that eventually alters the optical properties of a lens.The lens may be a three-dimensional space filled with a filler materialand communicating with a reservoir. The electrical-to-mechanicalactuation device (e.g., piezoelectric motor) creates the mechanicalforce to directly or indirectly act on a filler material within the lensand/or the reservoir.

In one approach, the linkage structure mechanically interconnects to asurface of a reservoir and the linkage structure includes drive rods,paddles, pins, adhesives, to name a few examples. The mechanical forcecommunicated by the linkage structure creates a pressure over a surfaceof the reservoir and the pressure moves the filler material in thereservoir and/or lens. More specifically and as mentioned, the reservoircommunicates with the lens and the filler material is exchanged betweenthe reservoir and the lens based upon the direction, magnitude, or otherproperty of the force acting on the reservoir. It will be appreciatedthat in many of the examples described herein, one or more reservoirsare described as being interconnected or communicating with a lens andfiller material is exchanged between these two distinct spaces. However,it will be appreciated that instead of two labeled, separate, anddistinct spaces (i.e., lens and reservoir) a single space (e.g., asingle reservoir) can be used and filler moved within this single space.

Additionally, the reservoir can be one or more reservoirs. Multiplereservoirs, combinations or reservoirs and tubes or channels may also beused. The reservoir can be directly connected to the lens (i.e., theoptical area where optical properties are determined) via an openchannel or opening or through a network of one or more fluid chambers.Other configurations are possible.

At step 4406, pressure to the membrane causes optical deformation of thelens to occur. The dimensions, curvature, and shape of membrane at leastin part determine the optical properties of the lens within the lensassembly. The pressure in the filler (e.g., optical fluid) deforms themembrane and determines the amount of deformation that occurs. Themembrane can be deformed so as to be concave, convex, or flat in shape.The curvature of the membrane can be spherical among other shapes. Otherexamples are possible.

Referring now to FIG. 45A, one example of a lens assembly 4500 isdescribed. The lens assembly 4500 includes a top housing 4501 having atop lens shaper 4522, a bottom housing 4502 having a bottom lens shaper4523, a top filler 4512, which is enclosed between a top container 4503and a top membrane 4505, a bottom filler 4513, which is enclosed betweena bottom container 4504 and a bottom membrane 4506. It will beappreciated that in the figures the term “top” will denote the side ofthe lens assembly through which light enters the lens assembly, and that“bottom” will denote the side of the lens assembly through which lightexits the lens assembly to be projected, for example, on a sensor. Itwill also be appreciated that although in all the examples the opticaxis, being the line through the nominal center of the opticalcomponents, is illustrated as single straight line, it is possible tointroduce a reflective component, such as a mirror or prism, to alterthe direction of the optic axis before, in between, or after the opticalcomponents in the lens assembly. The membrane 4505 may be divided by atop lens shaper 4522 into an inner section 4565 and an outer section4555. The membrane 4506 may be divided by a bottom lens shaper 4523 intoan inner section 4566 and an outer section 4556. A perimeter of theinner section 4565 extended toward the top container 4503 divides thefiller into a lens (bounded by the inner section 4565) and a reservoir(exterior to the inner section). A perimeter of the inner section 4566extended toward the bottom container 4504 divides the filler 4513 into alens (bounded by the inner section 4566) and a reservoir (exterior tothe inner section). The containers 4503 and 4504 in one example are hardplastic members (e.g., plates). In another example, the containers 4503and 4504 are constructed from glass and/or other optical materials andprovide optical correction functions. Other materials may also be usedto construct the containers 4503 and 4504. Light rays 4550 pass throughand their properties are altered by the lens assembly 4500 and thealtered rays are sensed by a sensor 4552, which may, in one example, bean electronic sensor chip.

The housings 4501, 4502 support all or some of the other elements andmay be constructed of plastic or any other suitable material. The toplens shaper 4522 and the bottom lens shaper 4523 define thetwo-dimensional shape of their respective membranes and hence the shapeof the lens. In particular, the lens shapers contact the respectivemembranes 4505 and 4506 and define the perimeter of, and to a certainextent, the shape of the lenses 4531 and 4535 due to their contact withthe membranes 4505 and 4506. Other factors which can contribute to theshape of the lenses 4505, 4506 are elastic stress in the membrane, andthe hydraulic pressure of the filler in the filler volume. The fillervolume is considered as the total volume of filler in the lens andreservoir, a preponderance of which may exist between the membrane andthe container. A balance of forces between the filler pressure andrestoring forces in the membrane as constrained by the shaper ringdetermines the shape of the lens.

The membranes 4505 and 4506 bounding the lens are made at leastpartially of a flexible material. The inner sections of the membranesand the outer sections may be made of the same membrane material.However, in other examples the actuator section of the membrane and theinner section are constructed of different membrane materials. Theproperties of the membranes 4505 and 4506 and/or the filler materials(e.g., an optical fluid) combine to provide reflective, refractive,diffractive, and absorptive, and/or color filtering functions. Otherfunctions may also be provided by the membrane and/or the fillermaterial in the reservoirs. An optional top plate (not shown) may beused to cover the top of the assembly 4500.

The membranes 4505 and 4506 and the containers 4503 and 4504, define afiller volume which consists of the reservoirs 4533 and 4537, as well aslenses 4531 and 4535, respectively. Different filler materials (e.g.,fluid, ionic liquids, gas, gel, or other materials) can be used to fillthe reservoirs 4533, 4537 and lenses 4531, 4535. The refractive indexesof the filler materials 4512 and 4513 used to fill the reservoirs andlenses may also vary. In one example, a fluid is used as the fillermaterial and the refractive index of the fluid in the reservoirs andlenses is selected to be different from the refractive index of thesurrounding air.

By axially moving or interacting with the containers 4503 and 4504 usingpiezoelectric motors (for clarity, not shown in FIG. 45A), the membranes4505 and 4506 are deformed (via pressure from movement of the fillermaterials 4512 and 4513) resulting in a changed optical behavior of thelenses in the lens assembly. A top corrective lens 4520 is positioned atthe bottom of the first container 4503 and a second corrective lens 4529is positioned at the top of the second container 4504. The correctivelenses 4520 and 4529 are passive components (e.g., their shape does notchange) and ensure proper focusing of the light 4550 passing through thelens assembly 4500. For example, if the lens assembly provides zoomand/or autofocus functions, then the corrective lenses 4520 and 4529ensure proper focusing of the received light at the sensor 4552.

Referring now to FIGS. 45B and 45C, one example of a lens assembly shownin two states of operation is described. The labels for the elements inthese figures correspond to the labels used in FIG. 45A. As shown inFIG. 45B, the top corrective lens 4520 and the bottom corrective lens4529 are separated by a distance d3. As shown in FIG. 45C, thepiezoelectric motor (for clarity not shown in these figures) has beenactuated to move the containers 4503 and/or 4504. Consequently, sincethe containers 4503 and 4504 move, the distance between the correctivelenses 4520 and 4522 decreases as shown in FIG. 45C to a distance d4.Consequently, the approaches described herein can automatically adjustat least some focusing properties of the lens 4500.

Referring now to FIGS. 46A and 46B, a detailed view of a lens assemblyshowing the piezoelectric motors that are located in the corners of thehousing is described. A lens assembly 4600 includes a top housing 4601,a top lens shaper 4622, a bottom housing 4602, a bottom lens shaper4623, a top filler 4612, which is enclosed between a top container 4603and a top membrane 4605, a bottom filler 4613, which is enclosed betweena bottom container 4604 and a bottom membrane 4606. The top membrane4605 may be divided by a top lens shaper 4622 into an inner section 4665and an outer section 4655. The bottom membrane 4606 may be divided by abottom lens shaper 4623 into an inner section 4666 and an outer section4656. A perimeter of the inner section 4665 extended toward the topcontainer 4603 divides the filler into a lens (bounded by the innersection 4665) and a reservoir (exterior to the inner section). Aperimeter of the inner section 4666 extended toward the bottom container4604 divides the filler 4613 into a lens (bounded by the inner section4666) and a reservoir (exterior to the inner section). The containers4603 and 4604 in one example are hard plastic members (e.g., plates). Inanother example, the containers 4603 and 4604 are constructed from glassand/or other optical materials and provide optical correction functions.Other materials may also be used to construct the containers 4603 and4604. As they move, the containers 4603 and 4604 are guided by ballbearings 4640 and 4641 on one side of the assembly 4600 and on the otherside of the assembly 4600 by a first piezoelectric motor 4642 and asecond piezoelectric motor 4643. The piezoelectric motors 4642 and 4643may be coupled to linkages 4645 and 4646 and the linkages 4645 and 4646may, in turn, be coupled to the containers 4603 and 4604. The ballbearings 4640 and 4641 may couple to linkages 4648 and the linkages 4647and 4648 may communicate with the containers 4603 and 4604. In otherexamples, the linkages are omitted.

The membranes 4605 and 4606 bounding the lens are made at leastpartially of a flexible material. The inner sections of the membranesand the outer sections may be made of the same membrane material.However, in other examples the actuator section of the membrane and theinner section are constructed of different membrane materials. Theproperties of the membranes 4605 and 4606 and/or the filler materials(e.g., an optical fluid) combine to provide reflective, refractive,diffractive, and absorptive, and/or color filtering functions. Otherfunctions may also be provided by the membrane and/or the fillermaterial in the reservoirs. An optional top plate (not shown) may beused to cover the top of the assembly 4600.

The membranes 4605 and 4606 and the containers 4603 and 4604, define afiller volume which consists of the reservoirs 4633 and 4637, as well aslenses 4631 and 4635, respectively. Different filler materials (e.g.,fluid, gas, gel, or other materials) can be used to fill the reservoirs4633, 4637 and lenses 4631, 4635. The refractive indexes of the fillermaterials 4612 and 4613 used to fill the reservoirs and lenses may alsovary. In one example, a fluid is used as the filler material and therefractive index of the fluid in the reservoirs and lenses is selectedto be different from the refractive index of the surrounding air.

By axially moving or interacting with the containers 4603 and 4604 usingpiezoelectric motors 4642 and 4643, the membranes 4605 and 4606 aredeformed (via pressure from movement of the filler materials 4612 and4613) resulting in a changed optical behavior of the lenses in the lensassembly. A top corrective lens 4620 is positioned at the bottom of thefirst container 4603 and a second corrective lens 4629 is positioned atthe top of the second container 4604. The corrective lenses 4620 and4629 are passive components (e.g., their shape does not change) andensure proper focusing of the light passing through the lens assembly4600. For example, if the lens assembly provides zoom and/or autofocusfunctions, then the corrective lenses 4620 and 4629 ensure properfocusing of the received light at the sensor (for clarity, not shown inFIG. 46A or 46B.)

As shown in FIGS. 46A and 46B, the containers are guided on one sidewith ball-bearings 4640 and 4641 and on the other side by thepiezoelectric motors 4642 and 4643. When a voltage is applied to thepiezoelectric motors 4642 and 4643, the piezoelectric material (withinthe piezoelectric motors) deforms or vibrates, resulting in movement ofsome elements of the motors, and this movement is communicated to thelinkages 4645 and 4646 which are moved, and this linkage movement movesthe containers generally in a direction indicated by arrows labeled4624. In this example, the piezoelectric motors 4642 and 4643 areindependently controlled (i.e., separate control signals are applied toeach to independently control the shaping of each lens).

The deformation or vibration of the piezoelectric material within thepiezoelectric motors 4642 or 4643 is controlled such that in onedirection, the linkage is sticking on a contact surface of the containerand in the other direction, the linkages and containers are sliding onor with respect to each other (i.e., slipping), thereby enablingcontainer movement in a specific direction. This “stick-slip” behaviorresults in an axial movement of the containers. By changing the shape(or other characteristic) of the electrical signal, the stick-slipmotion can be reversed, resulting in a reversed direction of the axialmovement of the containers. The various container movements result invarious deformations of the membrane (and lens) and thus result in achange of the optical properties of lens. In some examples, ballbearings are used to prevent tilting of the liquid container and toreduce friction force. Alternatively, the piezoelectric motors maydirectly drive or move the containers without an intermediate linkage.It will also be appreciated that two piezoelectric motors are providedand this provides for the independent control of each resulting in theability to independently shape the top and bottom lenses (i.e., twodegrees of freedom). In another embodiment, a single motor capable ofindependent motion along two axes may also be used.

The piezoelectric motors 4642 or 4643 can be shear, stack or rotatingpiezoelectric motors to name a few examples. For example, thepiezoelectric motor in FIGS. 46A and 46B is a shear piezo block that isfixed on the housing 4602 of the lens assembly. Alternatively, thepiezoelectric motors 4642 and 4643 may be connected to a metal, plasticor ceramic pin that rotates due to deformation of the piezoelectricmaterial located within these devices (e.g., see the example of FIGS. 50and 55). This rotation is translated in an axial movement of thecontainers, which are interconnected to the optical membrane. Ingeneral, it is advantageous to position the piezoelectric motors 4642 or4643 in or at a non-moving part with respect to the housing 4602, suchthat it is easier to connect the piezoelectric motor 4642 or 4643 withan electrical power supply.

In an embodiment, to allow for efficient functioning of the device, anair exchange between the optical opening in the housing and the sectionwith the motor pushing onto the membrane is required. This can either beachieved through venting holes 4651 or small slits in the housing.Venting holes 4651 are placed so that the air displaced by fluidmovement in the lens and the reservoir can equalize with the outsideair. Alternatively, the exchange could occur between the air over thereservoir and the air over the lens. If desired, an air spring could beused to slow air movement and the vents could be removed.

The assembly 4600 may be combined with other focus tunable and non-focustunable lenses, filters and any other combination of optical systems,including mirrors, gratings, prisms, shutters, image stabilizers andapertures. The assembly 4600 can be used with or include other elementsas well.

The amount and direction of piezoelectric motor movement may becontrolled by any number of devices or approaches. For example, a usermay manually press a switch, button, or other control device to controlthe voltage. In another examples, the applied voltage may be controlledby a program or algorithm (e.g., an autofocus or zoom program oralgorithm), which adjusts automatically the voltage applied to themotors.

Referring now to FIGS. 47A-D, another example of a lens assembly 4700 isdescribed. The lens assembly 4700 includes a top housing 4701, a bottomhousing 4702, a top lens shaper 4722, a bottom lens shaper 4723, a topand a bottom container 4703 and 4704, four piezoelectric motors 4742,4743, 4744, and 4753, four electric cushions 4710, 4777, 4778, and 4779,a top ring 4714 and bottom ring 4715, and a top and bottom membrane 4705and 4706, respectively. The top membrane 4705 and top container 4703form a top filler volume 4717 and the bottom membrane 4706 and bottomcontainer 4704 form a bottom filler volume 4718. The filler volumes4717, 4718 include all of the three dimension space between the membraneand containers. Each of the filler volumes 4717 and 4718 are filled witha filler material such as a liquid, ionic liquid, gel, or some otherfiller material. Vents 4751 allow air to flow in and out of thenon-filled regions in the lens assembly 4700. The various elements areconstructed according to the approaches described elsewhere herein andthis construction will not be repeated here.

A central opening 4730 extends in an axial direction (in the directionof the z-axis) through the assembly 4700. Light rays 4750 projectthrough the central opening 4730 in the lens structure in the axialdirection. Once acted on by the tunable lenses and other opticalcomponents not shown in the drawing of the lens structure, a sensor 4752(e.g., a capacitive charged device (CCD)) may receive and sense theimage. The sensor 4752 may communicate with other processing elementsthat further process and/or store the obtained image.

In this example, the rings 4714 and 4715 are attached to the membranes4705 and 4706, respectively. Attachment may be made by any adhesive orfastener arrangement (e.g., glue). This allows, for example, anoperation that requires pushing and pulling on the membrane 4705 and4706, to thereby shift or tune the lens from a convex shape to a concaveshape. To prevent gravitational effects, both sides of the reservoirs4712 and 4713 may, in an embodiment, be filled with a filler material(e.g., liquids) having similar densities, but with different indices ofrefraction.

In the example of FIGS. 47A-47D, the optical membrane 4705 is made offlexible material. The inner section of the membranes 4705 and 4706 andthe outer section may be made of one membrane material. However, inother examples the outer section of the membrane and the inner sectionare constructed of different membrane materials. The membrane or thefiller material (e.g., an optical fluid) can combine to provide variousreflective, refractive, diffractive, and absorptive, or color filteringproperties for the system. Other properties may also be provided.

The piezoelectric motors 4742, 4743, 4744, and 4753 are made of any typeof bending, shear, stack or rotating, or multi-modal piezoelectricactuator. The electrical cushions 4710, 4777, 4778, and 4779 can be madeof conducting and non-conducting polymers (e.g., foam) and may be usedto fill out the structure to prevent component movement, allow forassembly tolerances, and/or slippage.

The rings 4714 and 4715 may be made of material(s) contemplated by thoseof skill in the art. In one example, the rings 4714 and 4715 areconstructed from a plastic material. To improve the stick-slipinteraction with the piezoelectric motors 4742, 4743, 4744, and 4753,the rings 4714 and 4715 may be made of metal or may incorporate a metalpin that is in direct contact with the piezoelectric motors 4742, 4743,4744, and 4753. During stick-slip operation, the piezoelectric motormoves the rings 4714 and 4715 via contact with the rings 4714 and 4715.Eventually, contact may be lost (e.g., as the piezoelectric motorrotates or a portion thereof rotates off or away from the ring 4714 or4715) and the piezoelectric motor 4742, 4743, 4744, and 4753 and thering slide against each other (i.e., slipping occurs). For example, thepiezoelectric motors 4742, 4743, 4744, and 4753 may have or drive arotating cylindrical portion that at one time contacts the ring 4714 or4715 and through friction with the ring sticks or adheres to (due tofriction) the ring. During this time, the ring 4714 or 4715 is moved. Atother times, the friction is not strong enough to engage/move the ring4714 or 4715 and the ring and cylindrical element of the piezoelectricmotor 4742 or 4743 slide against/relative to each other. In this way,the rings 4714 or 4715 are moved by the piezoelectric motors 4742, 4743,4744, and 4753. It will be appreciated however, that other actuatingapproaches and techniques besides the stick-slip approach can be used tomove the rings 4714 or 4715.

By using stick-slip or other approaches to move mechanical parts, thepiezoelectric motor is moving the lens rings 4714 or 4715 in axialdirection either upward or downward generally in directions indicated bythe arrow labeled 4724. The rings 4714 and 4715 push or pull onto orinto the membrane, resulting in a deformation of the membranes 4705 and4706, respectively. This deformation results in movement of the fillermaterial and, a change in the shape of the lens, and consequently achange of the optical properties of the lens. One advantage of thisapproach is that the fixed position of the lens shapers act to reducetolerance requirements on the movement. To further reduce the lateraldimension of the lens assembly it is also possible to use the ring,which is pushing onto the membrane as a lens defining ring as describedelsewhere herein. Such an approach may save space for the lens shaper.

The inner portions of the reservoirs (i.e. the volume defined by theinner perimeter of the lens shapers projected toward the base of theirrespective containers) define lenses 4731 and 4735 and thethree-dimensional shape of the lenses 4731 and 4735 can be varied. Forexample, spherical lenses (e.g., convex and concave), aspherical lenses(e.g., convex and concave), cylindrical lenses (e.g., defined by asquare lens shaper instead of round), flat lenses, and any micro lenses(e.g., a micro lens array or a diffraction grating), and nano lensstructures (e.g. including antireflection coating), which can beintegrated or attached to the optically active section of the lens canbe created. Other examples of lens shapes can be created. Inhomogeneousmaterial thickness, hardness or prestretching of the membranes may alsobe used to alter the optical properties of the lens.

The assembly 4700 may be combined with other focus tunable and non-focustunable lenses, filters and any other combination of optical systems,including mirrors, gratings, prisms, and apertures. The assembly 4700can be used with other elements as well.

In one example of the operation of the system of FIGS. 47A-4D,application of a driving signal voltage to the piezoelectric motors4742, 4743, 4744, and 4753 results in a movement of the rings 4714 and4715 (e.g., upward or downward, depending on the shape, timing,frequency and/or other characteristic of the applied electrical signal).The shape and other characteristics of the electrical control signal maybe controlled and provided to the motor by any number of devices orapproaches. For example, a user may manually press a switch, button, orother control device or interface to control the voltage. In anotherexample, voltage may be controlled by a program or algorithm (e.g., anautofocus or zoom program or algorithm).

Referring now to FIGS. 53A-D, the waveform applied to the stick-slipmotor may be a sawtooth waveform. As shown in FIG. 53A, the linkageelement 5302 may be pushed by the motor leg 5304 during the slow-risingportion of the waveform (as it is applied to the motor at point 5306)and sticks when the waveform drops. At point 5308, sticking is stilloccurring (See FIG. 53B), but slipping occurs at point 5310 (see FIG.53C). Sticking occurs at point 5312 (see FIG. 53D). Applied waveformsmay be high frequency waveforms (e.g., 320 kHz) and different resonantfrequency modes of the piezoelectric motor are actuated to accomplishmovement in a preferred direction.

Referring now to FIGS. 48A-C, still another example of a lens assembly4800 is described. The lens assembly 4800 includes a housing 4802, a topand bottom lens shaper 4822 and 4823, respectively, a top and a bottomcontainer 4803 and 4804, respectively, a piezoelectric motor 4842 and aball bearing with balls 4808 and fixtures 4807, a top membrane 4805 anda bottom membrane 4806. A top filler volume 4817 is formed between thetop container 4803 (e.g., a glass plate) and the first membrane 4805. Abottom filler volume 4818 is formed between the bottom liquid container4804 and the second membrane 4806 and is filled with a filler material.A central opening 4830 extends in an axial direction (in the directionof the z-axis) through the assembly 4800. Light rays 4850 arerepresentative of an image move through the central opening 4830 in thelens structure in the axial direction. Once acted on by the componentsof the lens structure, a sensor 4852 (e.g., a capacitive charged device(CCD)) receives and senses the image conveyed by the light rays 4850.

In this example, three piezoelectric motors are used. More specifically,the top lens shaper is moved by a first piezoelectric motor 4842. Thebottom lens shaper is moved by second piezo motor (not shown) and athird piezoelectric motor 4844 and guided by a ball bearing 4808. Thesecond and third piezoelectric motors 4844 can be controlledindividually (and also separately from the first piezoelectric motor4842), resulting in the ability to not only axially move the lensshaper, but also tilt the lens shaper. This technique can be used toachieve image stabilization and also to compensate for assemblytolerances.

The inner section of the membrane and the outer section may be made ofone type of membrane material. However, in other examples the outersection of the membrane and the inner section are constructed ofdifferent membrane materials. The membranes 4805 and 4806, thereservoirs 4812 and 4813, and the top and bottom containers 4803 and4804 can provide various reflective, refractive, diffractive, andabsorptive, or color filtering functions for the overall system. Otherexamples of functions may be provided by the membranes/reservoirs.

The shape of the lens can be varied to produce various types of lenses.For example, spherical lenses (e.g., convex and concave), asphericallenses (e.g., convex and concave), cylindrical lenses (e.g., defined bya square housing instead of round), flat lenses, micro lenses (e.g.micro lens array, diffraction grating), and nano lens structures (e.g.including antireflection coatings) that can be integrated or attached tothe optically active section of the lens can be created. Other examplesof lens structures are possible. Inhomogeneous material thickness orhardness for the membranes 4805 and 4806 may also be used to alter theoptical properties of the lens.

The assembly 4800 may be stacked in any combination with theabove-described focus tunable lens, such as, for example, with otherfocus tunable and non-focus tunable lenses, filters and any othercombination of optical systems, including mirrors, gratings, prisms,shutters, image stabilizers, and apertures. The assembly 4800 may beconfigured with other elements as well.

In one example of the operation of the system of FIGS. 48A-C, anelectric signal can be applied to one or all of the piezoelectricmotors. The electrical signal provided may be controlled by any numberof devices or approaches. For example, a user may manually press aswitch, button, or other actuator to control the applied voltage. Inanother example, voltage may be controlled by a program or algorithm(e.g., an autofocus program), which adjusts automatically the voltagesupplied to the piezoelectric motor. The direct interaction of thepiezoelectric motor with the lens shaper results in an axial movement ofthe lens shaper 4822 or 4823 along the z-axis. Movement of the lensshapers 4822 and 4823 displaces the filler material (e.g., opticalfluid) in the filler volumes, thereby altering the overall lens shapeand the optical properties of the lens.

As mentioned, the membranes as described herein can be produced by usingvarious methods and manufacturing techniques. For example, the membranescan be formed using knife coating, calendaring, water-casting, injectionmolding, nano-imprinting, sputtering, hot embossing, casting,spin-coating, spraying, curtain coating, and/or chemical self-assemblytechniques. Other examples are possible.

The membranes can also be constructed from various materials. Forexample, the membranes can be constructed from gels (for example,Optical Gel OG-1001 by Litway); polymers (e.g., PDMS Sylgard 186 by DowCorning, or Neukasil RTV 25); acrylic materials (e.g. VHB 4910 by the 3MCompany); polyurethane; and/or elastomers to name a few examples. Inmany of these examples, the membranes are constructed from a materialthrough which air (but not liquids or gels) can pass. Other examples arealso possible.

Additionally, in some examples, the membranes are pre-stretched. Thistechnique may provide an improved optical quality and faster response inmovement or deformation of the membrane. For example, the membrane maybe mounted in a prestretched manner under elastic tension. The membranemay be stretched in stages such that the elastic tension of the innerarea of the membrane is less than the tension in the outer area of themembrane. In other embodiments, prestretching is not used.

Referring now to FIG. 49, another example of a lens assembly 4900 isdescribed. A housing 4901 encloses a container 4903 and a portion of thehousing 4901 also functions as a lens shaper 4922. A piezoelectric motor4942 is coupled to the container 4903. A membrane 4905 holds fillermaterial 4912 in a filler volume 4917 between the membrane 4905 and thecontainer 4903. The filler volume 4917 has an inner section or lensportion 4931 and an outer section or reservoir portion 4921. Ballbearings 4907 are used to reduce frictional forces and prevent thetilting between the housing 4901 and the container 4903. The detailedconstruction and placement of the above-mentioned elements have beendescribed elsewhere herein and will not be repeated here.

The piezoelectric motor 4942 is coupled to the container 4903. Thecoupling may be by glue or any other suitable fastener mechanism orfastening approach. The housing 4901 has an integrated lens shaper 4922and the housing 4901 is moved by the piezoelectric motor (e.g., with astick-slip motion) between the piezoelectric motor 4942 and the housing.The movement of the housing 4901 results in movement of the fillermaterial 4912 within the filler volume 4917 and the deformation of themembrane 4905. Consequently, the optical properties of the inner section4931 changes.

Referring now to FIGS. 50A-B, another example of a lens assembly 5000 isdescribed. The assembly 5000 includes housings 5001, 5002 that enclose alens shaper 5022, a container 5003, a membrane 5005, filler material5012, a filler volume 5017 (formed between the membrane 5005 and thecontainer 5003), a ring 5014, and a piezoelectric motor 5042. Theconstruction and placement of these elements have been describedpreviously and will not be described again here. In this example, thepiezoelectric motor 5024 and pin 5016 act as a screw-drive motor. Thepiezoelectric motor 5042 is coupled by a pin 5016 and engaged in a holein ring 5014. Rotation of the pin 5016 pushes or pulls the ring 5014 atthe area of engagement in the direction indicated by the arrow 5024. Thering 5014 is coupled to/is incorporated with a flexible hinge 5028 thatallows bending of the ring along the hinge 5028.

In this example and as compared to some other examples described herein,the use of ball bearings is eliminated thereby reducing the part count.The membrane 5005 is deformed by moving the ring 5014 on one side (withan upward and downward movement indicated generally by an arrow labeled5024) using the piezoelectric motor 5042. On the opposite side, the ring5014 is attached to the housing 5002. As mentioned, the ring includes aflexible hinge 5028 that allows bending to occur. When the ring is movedby the piezoelectric motor, it is tilted (with respect to the z-axis)and pushes and pulls the outer section of the membrane 5005 and this, inturn deforms the outer section of the filler volume 5017 and changes theshape of the inner section or lens portion 5031 of the filler volume5017. Movement may be accomplished along the arrows labeled 5049 and5024.

The tilting of the ring 5014 does not affect the optical qualities ofthe lens portion 5031, because the lens portion shaper 5022 defines thedeformable lens 5031. Instead of utilizing the hinge 5028, the apparatusof FIGS. 50A-B may also allow the fixed side of the tilting ring torotate about a point as shown in FIGS. 50C-D. Referring now specificallyto FIGS. 50C-D, The ring 5014 may be fixed at point 5057 and as pin 5014moves upward and downward in the direction indicated by the arrowlabeled 5024, the ring rotates in the direction indicated by the arrowlabeled 5049.

The piezoelectric motor 5042 turns a pin 5016 and the pin is engaged toa hole in the ring 5014. The turning of the pin 5016 caused by astick-slip or multi-modal vibration in the piezoelectric motor 5042pushes or pulls the ring 5014 in an upward or downward directiongenerally as indicated by the arrow indicated by the label 5024.Alternatively, the pin 5016 and the piezoelectric motor 5042 may be asingle element and connected directly to the ring 5014. It will beappreciated that the examples of FIG. 50A-D are particularlyadvantageous for focusing lenses that require less tuning than zoomlenses.

Referring now to FIGS. 51A-B, another example of a lens assembly 5100 isdescribed. The assembly 5100 includes housings 5101, 5102 that enclose alens shaper 5122, a container 5103, a membrane 5105, filler material5112, a filler volume 5117 (formed between the membrane 5105 and thecontainer 5103), ball bearings 5107 and a piezoelectric motor 5142.These elements have been described previously (e.g., with respect toFIGS. 45 and 46) and will not be described again here.

In this example, the shape of the piezoelectric motor 5142 is configuredso as to grip or clamp the container 5103 (e.g., in a U-shape). Morespecifically, an extension member 5125 of the container 5103 is clampedby the piezoelectric motor 5142. When actuated, the piezoelectric motor5142 moves the extension member 5125 (and hence the entire container5103) upward and downward (e.g., according to stick-slip motion). Asdescribed, this motion of the extension member 5125 impacts the fillervolume 5117 to move the membrane 5105 and alter the shape of the innersection or lens portion 5131. This, in turn, changes the opticalproperties of the lens portion 5131 (the portion that optically acts onlight rays 5150 passing through the lens assembly 5100).

Referring now to FIG. 52A, one example of an asymmetrically designedlens module 5200 (e.g., such as that used with a camera) is described. Afirst connector linkage 5259 (and a step element 5262) and a secondconnector linkage 5261 connect a paddle 5258 to a piezoelectric motor5242. Linkages 5259 and 5261 can be part of the paddle 5258, thepiezoelectric motor 5242, or independent parts. The linkages 5259 and5261 function to transmit force from the piezoelectric motor 5242 to thepaddle 5258. The step element 5262 is inserted into or coupled to thepaddle 5258 so that the connection can be made without contacting theouter portion 5255 of a membrane 5205 or the container 5203. A membrane5255 is disposed between the paddle 5258 and top container 5203. Thecontainer 5203 may be a plastic part or a glass plate to name twoexamples of container configuration. A bottom container 5204 is alsodisposed within the assembly 5200. It will be appreciated that a secondmembrane/paddle arrangement including the bottom container may also beused but is for simplicity not shown in FIG. 52A. A corrective lensbarrel housing 5263 houses the above-mentioned elements. In thisconfiguration, it is shown as integral portion of the top container 5203and the bottom container 5204. The lens barrel housing 5263 alsoincludes fixturing for corrective optical elements and correctiveoptical elements (not shown). In one example, the aperture is molded asan integral part of the lens barrel but this is not required.

The paddle 5258 is mechanically interconnected or coupled to both themotor and the fluid. In one example, the paddle 5258 is flat and mayinclude stiffening ribs. The shape and size of the paddle 5258 can beoptimized to communicate forces (e.g., push) on the filler materialefficiently. In this example, the paddle includes legs 5264. The legs5264 allow paddle-to-filler interaction to be low when the movement ofthe paddle is slow and allow the paddle-to-filler interaction is highwhen the movement is faster.

The membrane 5205 is divided by a lens shaper (not shown) into an innersection 5265 and an outer section 5255. The edge of the inner section ofthe membrane which contacts the lens shaper constrains the membrane bydefining the outer shape of the lens. Hinges 5228 and 5229 are coupledto the paddle 5258 and the top container 5203. In this example, thehinges are disposed at a discrete point at the end of the legs 5264. Thehinges 5228 and 5229 could be made from a variety of different materialssuch as glue, membrane material, and may be disposed at a pocket in thecontainer 5203. The hinges 5228 and 5229 could be made from the legs5264 and extend upward into the leg 5264 by making the leg 5264flexible. The hinges 5228 and 5229 could be part of the container 5203.

Referring now to FIG. 52B, the apparatus of FIG. 52A is shown with theapparatus pushing the lens outward and increasing its curvature. Moreparticularly, the piezoelectric motor pushes on a linkage 5259 that ismechanically connected to the paddle 5258, which pushes into thecontainer 5203 and pushes fluid into the lens 5235 changing its shape.The membrane 5205 containing the filler stretches at points labeled as5280, 5281 and 5282. The membrane 5205 is held in place at the outeredge at the points labeled as 5283 and 5284.

The membrane 5205 is held in place at the points labeled as 5285 and5286 and these are also the locations that define the outer edge of thelens shape. As shown, the membrane 5205 is disposed between the paddle5258 and the container 5203. This positioning is advantageous duringmanufacturing since it allows for ease of construction of the assembly5200. In another example, the paddle 5258 pushes directly on thecontainer 5203.

Referring now to FIG. 52C, the apparatus of FIGS. 52A and 52B is shownpushing the lens inward producing a lens shape that is concave in shapeinstead of convex in shape. It will be appreciated that bi-directionalmovement of the filler material within the reservoir formed between themembrane 5205 and the container 5203 may be employed but is notrequired. For instance, depending on the amount of initial filling ofthe reservoir, the lens could change curvature rather than allow formovement. It is shown here in this example as changing from a convexshape to a concave shape.

The motor pushes on a linkage 5259 that is mechanically connected to thepaddle 5258 pushes into a container 5203 and pushes filler (e.g.,optical fluid) into the lens 5235 changing its shape. The membrane 5205containing the fluid stretches at 5280, 5281, and 5282. The membrane5205 is held in place at the outer edge at points labeled as 5283 and5284. The membrane 5205 is held in place at the points labeled as 5285and 5286 and this is also the location that defines the outer edge ofthe lens shape.

Referring now to FIGS. 54A-D, another example of a mechanical linkagefor moving the liquid containers axially with respect to the lensshapers is described. It will be appreciated that some elements of thelens assembly already discussed herein are omitted from FIGS. 54A-D forclarity. In this example, an electrical-to-mechanical actuation device5467 capable of independently and simultaneously deforming in twodimensions is disposed on one wall of the lens assembly housing (notshown for clarity.) For example, this actuation device may comprise anelectroactive polymer which deforms in the horizontal direction when avoltage is applied across a set of electrodes 5468 and in the verticaldirection when a voltage is applied across a second set of electrodes5469.

The actuation device 5467 is affixed to a bottom ring 5415 at drivepoint 5470. A mechanical linkage 5471 having an articulated member 5472,a rigid member 5473, and a pivot 5474 couples vertical motion of theactuator 5467 at the drive point 5470 to vertical movement of the bottomring 5415 and horizontal actuation to vertical movement of the top ring5414. Articulation in the linkage 5471 and guide brackets 5475 and 5476are used so as to not over constrain the mechanical system and bind allintended motion.

The articulated member 5472 is coupled to the bottom ring 5415 via aguide bracket 5476 affixed to the bottom ring 5415. The rigid member5473 is similarly connected to the top ring 5414 via a top guide bracket5475 affixed to the top ring 5414.

Upon actuation in the vertical direction, the bottom ring 5415 is movedin a vertical direction. The articulated member 5472 is free to movehorizontally within the bottom guide bracket 5476 so as to couple thismotion into the rigid member 5473. Upon actuation in the horizontaldirection, the articulated member 5472 slides freely through the bottomguide bracket 5476 and rotates the rigid member 5473 about the pivot5474, thus causing a vertical motion of the rigid member 5473 at the topguide bracket 5475. The top guide bracket 5475 permits the rigid member5473 to rotate freely. The vertical motion of the rigid member 5473 atthe top guide bracket 5475 is coupled to the top ring 5414.

The operation of the mechanical linkage 5471 is further illustrated inFIG. 54B-D. In the unactuated state of the actuation device in FIG. 54B,the mechanical linkage holds the rings in a rest position. Upon verticalactuation at the drive point 5470, shown in FIG. 54C, the articulatedmember 5472 moves with the bottom ring 5415 with minimal coupling to therigid member 5473. Upon horizontal actuation at the drive point 5470,shown in FIG. 54D, the articulated member 5472 pushes horizontally onthe rigid member 5473, which rotates about the pivot 5474 and results ina vertical motion at the top guide bracket 5475.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that this example linkage willonly approximately allow independent motion of the top and bottom rings5414 and 5415. Some motion of the bottom ring 5415 is likely to coupleto motion of the top ring 5414 and vice-versa. The linkage 5471 isintended to minimize this effect. Alternative mechanisms arecontemplated for independently, or approximately independently, couplinga two-degree-of-freedom actuation device to two members moving along acommon axis.

FIG. 55A shows a portion of a lens module 5500 having a variable opticallens 5531. The module 5500 has an electrical to mechanical actuationmechanism utilizing linkages to a fluid system and the variable opticallens 5531. Housings and connections are not shown in whole in FIG. 55A;only the connection points are provided in order to isolate thisdescription to the actuation mechanism.

A connection 5587 is provided between the housing (not shown) and apaddle 5558. The paddle 5558 may have a substantial “U” shape, althoughother shapes are contemplated. The legs 5564 may be spaced apart to fitaround the lens 5531. The connection 5587 may be, for example, in a formof a ball bearing structure or mechanical guide which could allow for avertical movement of the paddle 5558. The connection 5587, in anotherembodiment, could also be a hinge. More specifically, the hinge may be aliving hinge made from the same material used to construct the paddle.In an embodiment, the hinge is constructed from a different material,such as, for example, an additional portion of plastic. In yet anotherembodiment, the material could be elastomeric, an adhesive, or otherlike material capable of providing the desired properties of a hinge.This type of connection 5587 or joining may lead to generally rotationalmovement of the paddle 5558 about the connection 5587. In anotherembodiment, the connection 5587 could be a pocket or groove into whichthe legs 5564 of the paddle 5507 could fit. This embodiment may reduceor eliminate the need for an adhesive or additional connectionstructure. It could be a connection 5587 to which, for example, adamping compound is added. This will lead to generally rotationalmovement; however, the pockets or grooves could be designed for othertypes of movement. The connection 5587, in yet another embodiment, couldbe a hinge or round portion positioned into a round slot to allow forconvenient rotation.

A filler volume 5517 may be formed between the paddle 5558 and thecontainer 5503. The filler may be displaced towards or away from thelens 5531 as a result of movement of the paddle 5558. A drive linkage5559 may be provided which connects the motion of a transducer or motor(electrical to mechanical) 5542 to the paddle 5558. The linkage 5559 maybe, for example, a shaft, threaded rod, or other type of linkage. Themotor 5542 may be, for example, a miniature stepper motor, brushlessmotor, piezoelectric motor, electroactive polymer motor, or any othertype of transducer capable of providing the desired function. In theembodiment illustrated in FIG. 55A, the motor 5542 turns or pushes alinkage 5559. In an embodiment, the motor 5542 could be a screw driveturning linkage 5559, and linkage 5559 could be a threaded rod engagedin a threaded section 5588 of paddle 5558. In another embodiment, thisarea 5588 of the paddle 5558 may have or form a pocket or groove toallow the linkage 5559, which could be contoured or rounded to fitwithin the engagement area 5588, to push or pull the paddle 5558.

Location of the engagement feature 5588 on the paddle 5558 may affectthe leverage that is obtained when the motor 5542 is actuated. Forexample, a motor 5542 capable of delivering high force over a smalldisplacement may be used optimally when the engagement feature 5588 isclose to the connection 5587, where a motor 5542 capable of deliveringlow force over larger displacement may be used optimally with theengagement feature 5588 is more distant from the connection 5588. Theshape of the paddle 5558 may be designed to distribute the pushing orpulling force over the membrane 5505 to increase the mechanicalefficiency of the structure.

FIG. 55B illustrates another embodiment in which the paddle 5558 isactuated by the motor 5549. In this embodiment, the paddle 5558 has anextension 5589 which extends substantially non-parallel to a planedefined by the body of the paddle 5558. The extension 5589 may have anengagement feature 5588 which is pushed or pulled by the linkage 5559.The linkage 5559 connected to the motor 5542 may have a contoured orrounded end to mate with the engagement feature 5588. By providing thistype of interface, movement of a transducer is not in the same plane asthe movement of the paddle 5558. This changes the leverage and providespotential space optimization. Other linkages and/or interfaces arepossible, including, but not limited to, simple frictional attachments.It is further appreciated that any combination of single, dual, ormultiple lens assemblies, utilizing single, dual, or multiple motors arecontemplated as necessary for a given application, such as, for example,a single lens assembly (i.e., a single variable lens) being used forfocusing and/or zooming. In other embodiments, two or more assemblies,in combination, may be used for carrying out these functions.

Referring now to FIGS. 56A and 56B another example of a lens assembly isdescribed. The lens assembly includes a container that has a firstsection 5601, an optically transparent section 5612, an optical fluid5616, a membrane 5608, a lens shaper 5602 having gas exchange hole 5615,a cover plate 5613 (e.g., constructed of glass), a bottom housing 5606,a top housing 5605 connected by a thread 5631 and a tolerance absorbingring 5630. The absorbing ring 5630 may be a ring approximately 0.2 mm inthickness and constructed from silicone, polyurethane or acrylicmaterial. Other dimensions and materials can also be used to constrictthe ring 5630. The other elements of the figure have been discussedabove and function generally in the same way as described previously.

By adjusting the distance between the first section 5601 and the lensshaper 5602 using the screwing mechanism between bottom housing 5606 andthe top housing 5605 and the soft tolerance absorbing ring 5630, whichis compressible (and decompressable) in the direction indicated by thearrow labeled 5632, production tolerances in the fill volume of thefluid 5616 and the container volume can be compensated. The adjustmentoccurs by mechanical adjustment that may be made manually or by anautomated device. Other adjustment approaches may also be used. In theseapproaches, easy adjustment of the initial focal length of the lenssystem after filling is accomplished by making the above-mentionedadjustment along the direction indicated by the arrow labeled 5632.

Referring now to FIG. 57A and FIG. 57B another example of a lensassembly 5700 is described. As shown in FIG. 57A, the lens assembly 5700consists of a lens barrel housing 5704 which contains a number of lenses5705, 5706 and 5707, which are used for image correction purpose. Theselenses can be constructed from a plastic such as Polycarbonate,Polystyren or other optically clear plastic materials. Other examples ofmaterials can also be used. An optically clear liquid 5702 (or otherfiller material) is enclosed by a deformable membrane 5701 and anoptically transparent container 5703. The container 5703 and the housing5704 are interconnected to each other via mechanical interlocking orgluing. The central part of the housing 5710 is in contact with thedeformable membrane 5701 and defines the shape of the membrane. A coil5708 is connected to the deformable membrane 5701. The magnetic fieldindicated by the label 5711 of magnet 5709 interacts with the electricalcurrent flowing through the coil 5708 resulting in an axial force on thecoil in the direction of the arrow labeled 5712. This force translatesin deformation of the membrane 5701 and thus changing the shape ofcentral, optically active part of the deformable membrane 5701 acting onthe light rays 5713. This embodiment requires only a very small numberof parts, enabling a very cost efficient autofocus module. Additionally,it is very tolerance insensitive.

FIG. 57B describes a similar embodiment with one difference being thatthe magnet 5709 is moving and the coil 5708 is fixed on the lens barrelhousing 5704. All the other elements shown in FIG. 57B are the same asFIG. 57A and perform similar functions.

Referring now to FIG. 58A, one example of a symmetrical actuator isdescribed. The structure surrounds the central axis 5826. The structureincludes a first coil 5802, a second coil 5804, a first magnet 5818, asecond magnet 5820, and a third magnet 5822. When wires in the coils5802 and 5804 are excited by an electrical current, the coils 5802 and5804 interact with a magnetic flux as shown that is directed by a bottomreturn flux guiding structure 5806, a top return flux guiding structure5808, a side return flux guiding structure 5810 in a direction indicatedby the arrows labeled 5812. By reversing the polarization of all themagnets the flow, would be equivalent but reversed. The side returnmagnetic flux guiding structure 5810 includes a side return overhangportion 5824 to help absorb the manufacturing tolerances associated bythe parts and/or control stray fields More or less overhang would notchange the basic principal of operation of this example. The magnets,coils, and magnetic flux return structures can be implemented asdescribed elsewhere herein.

In the example of FIG. 58A, a significant portion of the flux lines flowthrough the coils 5802 and 5804 substantially perpendicular to thedirection of the current flow. In other words, a structure is createdthat contains stray field and focuses field at the coil with theappropriate angular relationship and thus generates an optimized amountof force for the given space. The flux is concentrated in the pathindicated by the arrows labeled 5812. As a result, the coils 5802 and5804 receive a sufficient force to be moved and/or move other elementsthat adjust characteristics of the lens as has been described previouslyherein.

Referring now to FIGS. 58B and 58C, another actuator is described. Theactuator includes a first coil 5856, a first magnet 5852, a second coil5858 and a second magnet 5854. The actuator is disposed in closeproximity to containers 5864 and 5866 (described elsewhere herein) andnear outer light rays within the primary optical path 5868 in 58B and5880 in 58C. The interaction of the magnets 5852 and 5854 and theelectric current as it is applied to the wires in the coils 5856 and5858 interacts with magnetic flux lines that flow in the directionsindicated by the arrows labeled 5872, 5874, and 5876. The flux linesflow through the optical structure of the lens that may include thecontainers 5864 and 5866 and some lines of the flux will cross into theprimary optical path 5868. FIG. 58B shows the primary flux paths 5872,5874, 5876 and FIG. 58C shows the secondary flux paths. The magnets,coils, and magnetic flux return structures can be implemented asdescribed elsewhere herein.

A first (top) portion of the bottom magnet 5854 share flux lines createdby a second (bottom) portion of the top magnet 5852. As shown, fluxlines are reused and reinforced as between the magnets 5852 and 5854 andbecome part of the same magnetic circuit. The bottom magnet 5454provides a path with less magnetic reluctance for the top magnet 5852than would be provided without the bottom magnet 5854. As a consequence,an efficient actuator structure is provided that produces sufficientforce to move the coils 5856 and 5858 (that directly or indirectly movethe membranes as described elsewhere in this application) and, at thesame time, is small enough to fit into extremely confined anddiscontinuous spaces remaining after placement of the optics within theassembly.

It will be appreciated that although the actuators described in FIGS.58A and 58B (as well as elsewhere herein) are shown as being part of alens assembly, the actuators can be used with respect to other types ofdevices and with a wide variety of other applications. For example, theactuators may be used in conjunction with speakers (e.g., to movetweeter and woofer speakers to mention one example). Other examples arepossible. In fact, the actuators described herein can be used to supplyforce to any suitable component of any type of system or any type ofapplication.

FIG. 58D shows an example of the optical portion of the assembly. Thisexample includes a top variable optical assembly 5890 which contains amembrane 5892, optical filler material 5893, container 5891 and acorrective lens 5894 embedded in the container 5894. This assembly 5890is the farthest optical component away from the sensor 5899. Thisapproach allows for an assembly that will maximize performance whileminimizing height from sensor 5899 to cover 5898 (e.g., cover glass). Afurther aspect is having optical elements 5894 imbedded into thecontainer 5891. In this example, the second lens is a push-pull(convex-concave) lens allowing a very compact optics design.

In the examples of FIGS. 58A-58D, the magnetic structures are coupledtogether and also coupled through one or more optical elements of thesystem (e.g., through the lens, containers, or membranes). Very smallair gaps in both motor structures. The side return structures may beself-attaching to the housing thereby providing easy assembly with noadhesive (e.g., glue) required. These approaches are also fault tolerantfrom an assembly point of view, since a loose positioning of themagnetic structure will only minimally reduce the magnetic forcegenerated by the coils. Additionally, the magnets are well defined andthe posts in the housing define the location of the magnets.

Referring now to FIGS. 59A and 59B, an example of a lens assembly 5900is described. The lens assembly includes a top housing 5905, a topcontainer 5904, a top magnetic return structure 5926, an aperture 5921,a cover plate 5901, filler material 5903, a membrane 5902, a correctivelens 5925, a magnet 5914, a top bobbin 5912, a top coil 5913, a returnstructure 5915, a flex circuit conduit 5920, filler material 5906, amagnet 5919, a bottom bobbin 5916, a bottom coil 5917, a magnetic fluxreturn structure 5918, a sensor cover 5911 (e.g., a glass plate), amembrane 5908, a bottom housing 5910, a meniscus lens 5909, and a bottomcontainer 5907.

The construction, operation, and interaction of these components havegenerally been described elsewhere herein and will not be describedagain here. Additionally, it will be appreciated that one example of theoperation and actuation has been described above with respect to FIG.58B.

As shown in FIG. 59B, the flex circuit 5920 is coupled to a connector5922. A flexible electrical connector 5921 (e.g., a wire) extends fromthe connector 5922 and is wound around the bobbin 5916 to form the coil5917. Thus, current flows from an outside current source (not shown), tothe flex circuit 5920, through the connector 5922, through the conductor5921, around the coil (surrounding the bobbin), and back out through theflex circuit 5920. The wire connection for coil 5913 is through the flexand the connector 5924 guided down to the flex through the post 5923.

The conductors 5921 are free moving and absorb only little force whilemoving. The conductors 5921 are disposed so as to provide forspace-saving capabilities with respect to the top coil and also providefor safety because the conductors 5921 pass through a protection channelto guide them to the external source or connection.

Bottom conductors on the bottom coil 5917 slide under the magnet 5919and reside a substantial distance away from the membrane 5908. A gap inthe bottom housing 5910 allows easy guiding of the conductors to theexternal source.

As shown, the top bobbin 5912 includes four finger elements to hold thetop coil 5913. This construction approach provides for a shockabsorption capability and a space saving property allowing for a smallerassembly to be constructed than would be the case if the top bobbin werenot so constructed. This bobbin configuration also enables the optics tobe positioned closer to the top cover 5901. Generally speaking, theearlier (i.e., closer to the top) the first tunable lens is located inthe optical path, the shorter the module can be constructed because thelight can be reshaped at the earliest possible position.

Temperature improvement is provided because the coil 5913 is positioneda substantial distance away from the membrane and filler material butclose to heat conducting external metal. The square shape of the bobbin5912 maximizes length of wire in magnetic field. Corners ofsquare-shaped bobbins are not generally flux efficient and thereforethis approach provides for posts in the corner to improve efficiency.Post configuration with square bobbin 5912 also minimizes the spacebetween magnet 5914 and the flux guiding structure 5915 and reducescosts because the wires does not need to be glued or attached with someother adhesive. The spider-like fingers of the bobbin 5912 provide forthe shortest distance between membrane pushing ring and coil holdingstructure.

The bottom bobbin 5916 is mechanically interconnected to the membrane5908. The bobbin 5916 has a large travel range and has almost same forcedue in part to long magnet 5919 and relatively straight field linescreated.

The top housing 5905 is a barrel design and includes all lenses exceptthe meniscus lens 5909. The top housing 5905 additionally provides lensshaper functions. One side of housing references most of the opticalcomponents (e.g., providing parallel referencing) enabling a singlepin-mold and thus providing better concentricity and tolerances The tophousing 5905 protects the coil 5913 from mechanical shock (i.e., thecoil 5913 is mechanically constrained). Additionally, the top housinghas holes enabling air flow from the optical section into the motorsection and thus providing integral barometrical relief function. Thebottom tunable lens is a push-pull lens (as has been described elsewhereherein) using the lens shaper and retainer mechanism/support member asshown in FIGS. 41A and B. The variable radius of lens not only changesthe shape of the lens but mechanical clamping structures may alsoprovide this function. When deforming the lens, not only the shape ofthe lens changes but also its axial position as well as the radius.

The meniscus lens 5909 is disposed tightly to the housing 5910 that isdirectly connected to the image sensor making it cost efficient andtolerance insensitive. The corrective lens 5925 (which may be anycorrective optical element constructed of any material) is disposed inthe container 5904. In this respect, the corrective lens 5925 isintegral with the filler-filled lens structures described herein.

So assembled, the assembly 5900 includes first tunable lens (includingelements 5903, 5902, 5904, 5912, and 5913) for focusing of light raysthat enter through cover 5901. A second tunable lens (including elements5906, 5908, 5907, 5916, and 5917) is also provided and is for zooming.Consequently, two different tunable systems are provided which can beoptimized for different functions, constraints. The corrective lens 5925corrects optical error such as spherical aberrations. The meniscus lens5909 helps to achieve chief ray angle requirements. In many of theseexamples, all optical components described above are circular orgenerally circular in shape. However, as required, other shapes may alsobe used.

In these examples, the amount of filler material that causes deformationof the membrane is constant (however, its relative displacement within aparticular lens changes). The magnets 5914 and 5919 may be polarizedproviding a field perpendicular to the coils 5913 and 5917 and the coils5913 and 5917 and magnets 5914 and 5919 are displaced relative to eachother.

Referring now to FIG. 60, another example of a lens assembly 6000 isdescribed. The assembly 6000 is similar to that described in FIGS. 59Aand 59B and like numbers refer to the same elements. It will beappreciated that actuation of the actuators of FIG. 60 operates in themanner described above with respect to the actuators of FIG. 58A. Morespecifically, the assembly 6000 includes a top housing 6005, a top fluxguiding structure 6019, a cover 6001 (e.g., constructed of glass),filler material 6003, a membrane 6002, a top container 6004, an outershield or housing 6030, a pusher 6012, a coil 6013, a magnet 6020, abottom coil 6017, a bottom magnet 6021, a outer return structure 6015, abottom bobbin 6016, a meniscus lens 6009, a bottom container 6007, acorrective lens 6025, filler material 6006, a membrane 6008, a lensshaper 6022, a bottom return structure 6018, and a magnet 6014.

In the example of FIG. 60, interconnections between optical lenses areminimized because of the lens barrel design meaning that a majority ofthe optical elements are referenced to one side of the housing 6005,minimizing assembly and part tolerance. The bottom bobbin 6016 is splitinto two sections, so that the coil 6017 can be added after the stackingof the lens.

Referring now to FIG. 61, one example of a lens array 6100 is described.The lens array 6100 includes a transparent optical plate 6101, acontainer element 6102, a housing 6108, light sources (e.g., emittingdiodes (LEDs)) 6107, lens areas 6106, filler material 6104 that includesdisplaced filler material within a region 6105. In operation, thecontainer 6102 is displacing the filler material by pushing on thisthrough optical plate 6101. This creates a pressure to move the fillermaterial 6104 selectively to and from the regions 6105. In this respect,the regions 6105 (and shapes of the lenses there-defined) may be thesame or different. Consequently, light transmitted from the lightsources 6107 can have one or more of its properties altered as ittravels through the filler material 6104 and through the plate 6101. Theproperties affected may include light distribution, brightness, andcolor, to name a few examples. Other examples are possible. The assembly6100 may be used to provide light in any environment or any context suchas within buildings, outdoors, and within vehicles. The light sources6107 may be any light emitting device such as LEDs. The filler material6104 may be any type of liquid, gel, polymer, gaseous or any otherdeformable filler materials that has already been mentioned herein.Other actuations approaches (e.g., using piezo electric elements ormechanical pushing of 6101) as described herein may also be used inplace of the container 6102. The filler material can be made of onematerial or a membrane and a liquid material.

Referring now to FIGS. 62A and 62B, another example of a lens assembly6200 is described. The assembly 6200 includes a light source 6201 (e.g.,a LED), a first optical media 6202 (e.g. gas, liquid polymer, or glass),a rigid optical element 6203 (e.g., a lens, diffuser, filter, orgrating), a second optical media 6208 (e.g., a gas, liquid polymer, orglass), a reflector 6204 (e.g., freeform mirror), a deformable fillermaterial 6205 (e.g., a liquid, gel, or polymer), and a rigid correctiveoptical element 6206 (e.g., a lens, diffuser, filter, or grating). Whenthe corrective optical element 6206 is mechanically or electricallydisplaced in axial direction 6209, the filler material 6205 is deformed,resulting in a deformation at the interface of 6210 thereby changing thedirection of the light rays 6207.

An interface 6210 separating the second optical media 6208 and thefiller material 6205 can be a deformable membrane made of the same or adifferent material than the second optical media 6208 or the deformablefiller material 6205. The assembly of 6200 can be used for lightsteering applications such as illumination system. The assembly of 6200can be a standalone unit, part of an array or part of larger opticalsystem.

Referring now to FIGS. 63A and 63B, another example of a lens assemblyis described. The assembly 6300 includes a light source 6301 (e.g., aLED), a reflector 6202 (e.g., a freeform mirror), a deformable fillermaterial 6203 (e.g., a liquid, gel, or polymer), and a lens shaper 6304.When the lens shaper 6304 is mechanically or electrically displaced inaxial direction 6306, the filler material 6303 is deformed, resulting ina deformation of the interface of 6307 and thus change of the light rays6305.

An interface 6307 separates the deformable filler material 6303 and theoptical media 6308 and the interface 6307 can be a deformable membranemade of the same or a different material than the optical media 6308 orthe deformable filler material 6303. The assembly of 6300 can be usedfor light steering applications such as illumination system. Theassembly of 6300 can be a standalone unit, part of an array or part of alarger optical system.

Referring now to FIGS. 64A and 64B, another example of a lens assemblyis described. The assembly 6400 includes a light source 6401 (e.g. LED),a reflector 6402 (e.g. freeform mirror), a first optical media 6406(e.g. gas, liquid polymer, or glass), a deformable filler material 6403(e.g., liquid, gel, or polymer), and a lens shaper 6404. When the lensshaper 6404 is mechanically or electrically displaced in axial direction6407, the filler material 6403 is deformed, resulting in a deformationof the interfaces 6408 and 6409 and thus the direction of the light rays6405 changes.

The interfaces 6408 and 6409 separating the deformable filler material6403 and the optical media 6406 and 6410 respectively can be adeformable membrane constructed of the same or a different material thanthe optical media 6406, 6403, and 6410. The assembly of 6400 can be usedfor light steering applications such as illumination system. Theassembly of 6400 can be a standalone unit, part of an array or part of alarger optical system.

Referring now to FIG. 65A, one example of a lens shaper 6500 that can beused with the embodiments herein described. The lens shaper 6500includes a first surface 6511 extending from a first face 6521 having afirst perimeter 6501 with a first shape, to a second face 6522 having asecond perimeter 6502 with a second shape. The first shape and thesecond shape are different. The membrane shape is defined the lensshaper. When the lens is changed from a convex state to a concave state,different perimeters of the lens shapers define the shape of themembrane and thus the shape of the deformable lens. The lens shaper 6500transforms the shape of the membrane/deformable lens from a largeelliptical lens defined by the perimeter 6501, into a small ellipticallens defined by the perimeter 6502. Referring now to FIG. 65B another oflens shaper 6510 for use with the examples described herein isdescribed. In this example, the lens shaper 6510 includes a rectangularfirst perimeter 6511 and a circular second perimeter 6512. Depending onthe deformation of the membrane, the membrane shape is defined bydifferent parts of the lens shaper and thus the shape of the deformablelens changes from a substantially rectangular lens to a circular lens.

While the present disclosure is susceptible to various modifications andalternative forms, certain embodiments are shown by way of example inthe drawings and these embodiments were described in detail herein. Itwill be understood, however, that this disclosure is not intended tolimit the invention to the particular forms described, but to thecontrary, the invention is intended to cover all modifications,alternatives, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of theinvention.

Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, includingthe best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Itshould be understood that the illustrated embodiments are exemplaryonly, and should not be taken as limiting the scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. An optical apparatus comprising: a housing; adeformable lens; a lens shaper which defines the shape of the deformablelens; a first mechanism positioned within the housing to adjust anoptical property of the deformable lens; a second mechanism positionedwithin the housing to adjust an optical property of the deformable lenswherein the second mechanism is at least one of an electromechanicalactuator or motor and further wherein the first mechanism and the secondmechanism are different types of mechanisms.
 2. The optical apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein the first mechanism utilizes one or more componentsselected from the group consisting of: screws, threads, and mechanicalpositioning.
 3. The optical apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: alocking mechanism which prevents the first mechanism from furtheradjusting an optical property of the deformable lens.
 4. The opticalapparatus of claim 3 wherein one or more elements of the lockingmechanism involve at least one of a process selected from a groupconsisting of: application of adhesive, welding, clamping and heatstaking.
 5. The optical apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first mechanismis removable from the housing.
 6. The optical apparatus of claim 1wherein the deformable lens is at least partially defined by acontainer.
 7. The optical apparatus of claim 1 wherein deformation ofthe deformable lens causes a change in the optical property of thedeformable lens.
 8. The optical apparatus of claim 7 wherein the firstmechanism changes a position of the lens shaper with respect to thecontainer which causes the deformable lens to deform, thereby changingthe optical property of the deformable lens.
 9. The optical apparatus ofclaim 1 further comprising a membrane, wherein the first mechanism actsto change an initial tension of at least a portion of the membrane. 10.An optical apparatus comprising: a displacement mechanism; a container;a lens shaper; wherein the container at least partially encloses afiller material wherein the filler material at least partially defines aplurality of deformable lenses, the displacement mechanism capable ofchanging an optical property of at least one of the plurality ofdeformable lenses.
 11. The optical apparatus of claim 10 furthercomprising a membrane, wherein the membrane at least partially enclosesthe filler material.
 12. The optical apparatus of claim 10 furthercomprising: at least one light source which interacts with at least oneof the plurality of deformable lenses.
 13. The optical apparatus ofclaim 10 further comprising a reflector in communication with one ormore of the plurality of deformable lenses.
 14. An optical apparatuscomprising: a deformable lens; a lens shaper at least partially defininga shape of the deformable lens; a support member; and a membrane,wherein the lens shaper and the support member clamp the membrane suchthat the membrane is always in contact with the lens shaper; wherein thedeformable lens can have a convex or a concave shape, and the lensshaper and the support member are stationary with respect to each other.15. An optical apparatus comprising: a deformable lens defined at leastby a first membrane and a filler material; a lens shaper, wherein thedeformable lens is in contact with the lens shaper at a contact region,and not in contact with the lens shaper at a non-contact region, a firstdetachment point defined as the interface between the contact region andthe non-contact region; wherein the first detachment point defines adiameter of the deformable lens; wherein a shape of the lens shaperallows for a location of the first detachment point to vary withdeformation of the deformable lens, such that the diameter of thedeformable lens varies with the location of the first detachment point.16. The optical apparatus of claim 15 wherein an axial position of thedetachment point varies with the deformation of the deformable lens. 17.The optical apparatus of claim 15 further comprising: a first supportmember; a second membrane which is a subset of the first membrane thatis in contact with the lens shaper at the contact region; a thirdmembrane which is connected with an end of the second membrane and thefirst support member; a second detachment point which is located at aconnection point between the second membrane and the third membrane; afirst theoretical line which is tangent to the lens shaper at the firstdetachment point and a second theoretical line which is tangent to thelens shaper at the second detachment point; a connection angle definedas an angle between the first theoretical line and the secondtheoretical line and is a supplementary angle to an angle that containsa majority of the lens shaper; a connection angle positive sense definedas being in a direction from the second theoretical line through thefirst theoretical line and towards the lens shaper wherein theconnection angle does not span across the lens shaper; wherein theabsolute value of the connection angle is between 0 and 180 degrees. 18.The optical apparatus of claim 15 wherein only frictional forces areused to hold the first membrane to the lens shaper.
 19. The opticalapparatus of claim 15 further comprising: a second lens shaper; and athird lens shaper, wherein deformation of the deformable lens causes thelens shaper to shift from the second lens shaper to the third lensshaper and changes the diameter of the deformable lens.
 20. The opticalapparatus of claim 15 further comprising: a second lens shaper; and athird lens shaper, wherein deformation of the deformable lens causes thedetachment point to shift from the second lens shaper to the third lensshaper and changes an axial position of the deformable lens.
 21. Anoptical apparatus comprising: a deformable lens capable of assuming aplurality of shapes; a lens shaper at least partially defining a shapeof the deformable lens; an actuation device capable of changing at leastone optical property of the deformable lens; wherein an inner surface ofthe lens shaper extends from a first face having a first perimeterhaving a first shape, to a second face having a second perimeter havinga second shape, wherein the first shape and the second shape aredifferent; wherein the shape of the deformable lens can be defined byeither the first face of the lens shaper or the second face.
 22. Theoptical apparatus of claim 21 wherein the first face of the lens shaperis substantially circular and the second face of the lens shaper issubstantially non-circular.
 23. The optical apparatus of claim 21wherein the first face of the lens shaper is substantially non-circularand the second face of the lens shaper is substantially non-circular.